it's been two days since i've seen this film and i now feel like i can post some of my more processed feelings/thoughts. initially i was a bit disappointed, and felt like the film didn't live up to my expectations. i don't feel that way now, having had more time to think. if you haven't seen a film by alejandro gonzalez inarritu, this would be a good one to start with, in terms of the complexity of the narrative. i think this is easily his most accessible work to date.
but first, let me get out my beefs. there is some sexuality and nudity in this film that i believe is uncalled for in its entirety. meaning, the context in the scene calls for the content, but i thought the way it was executed was either inappropriate or excessive. and to be honest, i was surprised how liberally it was handled given his track record of such issues in previous films. does this mean you shouldn't watch the film? that's up do you to decide. i will say that it is not presented in a glorified manner, but in a light of desperation. so at least he's not trying to make it seem attractive.
these things however, did not ruin the film as a whole, or distract me from the overall message. the film made me think....alot in fact, about things like language, culture, and communicating with other people. it made me think alot about what we've been studying in church, which is living missionally. how do we become all things to all men so as to win more for the gospel? how do we break down the walls of culture and language so we can clearly communicate? what are those walls and how do we understand them? are we taking the time to understand them? how do the choices we make everday, affect the lives of those around us, and those around the world? the film is very very strong thematically, and i'm sure there are more layers that could be peeled away with multiple viewings.
i can't say enough about the cinematography. rodrigo prieto once again creates tension, as well as furthering the narrative with the camera. the movie "feels" a certain way. like the texture of the image is representative of the different geographical locations. while i recognized part of the score was borrowed from 21 grams, it was still great. the sound felt deep and rich, like i could feel desert wind drying out my lips. it was a film i'm certain is better in the theater.
what i appreciate so much about inarritu's films, is that you have to think to get anything out of them. you can't let them wash over you. he does not make escapist films. you have to engage, you cannot be passive. and honestly you have to respond....it's similiar to the gospel, and it's similiar to relationships. participate or it's pointless.
my favorite critic quote about babel was, "Makes Crash, another recent film with converging stories and a multicultural cast, look like an undergraduate term paper on race relations." again, babel does have some flaws, but overall i found it extremely artistic and thought provoking. inarritu makes unconventional films with unconventional messages. by the way, crash is not the first film to do interweaving stories, or deal with race relations. babel is the final film in a triology of films by inarritu that deal with race, class, culture, and how we are all connected. rent do the right thing to see it done much better, and much earlier (1989) than crash, even if on a smaller, less ambitious scale. 4 out of 5 stars.
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