THE LOST CITY OF Z (2017)

Directed By: James Gray 
Written By: James Gray & David Grann 
Based on the Book By: David Grann 
Cinematography By: Darius Khondji 
Editor: John Axelrad & Lee Haugen 


Cast: Charlie Hunnam, Sienna Miller, Robert Pattinson, Tom Holland, Angyus MacFadyen, Ian McDiarmid, Franco Nero 


The Lost City of Z tells the incredible true story of British explorer Percy Fawcett, who journeys into the Amazon at the dawn of the 20th century and discovers evidence of a previously unknown, advanced civilization that may have once inhabited the region. Despite being ridiculed by the scientific establishment who regard indigenous populations as "savages," the determined Fawcett - supported by his devoted wife, son and aide de camp returns time and again to his beloved jungle in an attempt to prove his case, culminating in his mysterious disappearance in 1925.

When it comes to the films of director James Gray. I give him a lot of respect for his vision and choices in the stories and material he closes to tackle. As watching his films and productions get bigger and bigger and more ambitious has been exciting. He keeps the same vision as his productions get bigger and they are far away from the typical Hollywood productions as they can be.

First and foremost know this film might seem like the swashbuckling type, but it is an action less adventure film.

He tries to immerse the audience in the tone and atmosphere of the times and culture. While visually dazzling at the same time. I can never quite get entirely into his films. Even as there is nothing wrong with them.

Here it seems that what he wants to show. Just like his lead character he gets so close but is never quite successful in his efforts.

The film never quite makes the audience feel or see the passion and obsession that the main character played by Charlie Hunnam feels. Not are we quite privy to the magic and beauty of what he see’s and witnesses. Hunnam was actually a replacement after Brad Pitt (Who is one of the producers) and Benedict Cumberbatch dropped out (Though who seems more suited for this type of role. As the character seems a gentleman first and adventurer second and Hunnam comes off more rugged naturally)

The film comes across trying more to be So matter of fact. The film shows no signs of joy, excitement or adventure. Which keeps it at a certain level. Which works against a film about an explorer and his expeditions. It’s an epic tale that comes across more small scale which does a disservice to the material.

Though it may be closer to what an expedition feels like rather then what we have been fed by cinema that presented it as more grand and eventful.

As the wilds that we see might come across as what it might have looked like. Not some glorious wonderland, but more a simple primitive culture living off the land. It just feels like something that could have come across on more of a grand fashion. the director should be applauded for working well with what he has and making it still visually sumptuous as usual.

It seems like a film made about and for discovery but feels like it really goes nowhere. As it is less about adventure and more about the characters. The film never comes as alive as it more wilder surroundings.

Sienna Miller proves again to be like a chameleon. Never quite having the same look or purpose in any role. Here she finally plays a role more than the passive wife or girlfriend who sticks to the background only to be supportive. Here her role requires her to be more strong minded and willed. Who actually shows strength in holding the family together and in her husbands work.

Robert Pattinson immerses himself in his role to try to be unrecognizable and disappear to be a more notable actor.

The film truly comes alive in the second act and second trip where we get into more drama. As a benefactor played by Angus MacFadyen becomes more and more of a problem. As he seems to sabotage the journey as well as providing the most challenged. As at least here there is more sense of adventure and peril, especially the attack from the natives which seems a bit inspired by Werner Herzog’s AGGUIRE THE WRATH OF GODS. but still manages to keep it’s own character. I only wish the rest of the film felt the same way.

One might be spoiled as this is more courteous and composed. Where as other filmmakers like Werner Herzog or Francis Ford Coppola with APOCALYPSE NOW. Would make it seem crazier and unpredictable.

The films brilliance might be in the fact that like the adventure itself the film is filled with possibilities of what might be. As we get into the film and look forward to the adventures and what might be out there only to be disappointed as it seems everytime the film comes close to reaching it’s goal. Something goes wrong to cut it short or it ends up being a dead end.

If you are looking for something that is more literary in adventure. Then i would suggest this film. 

Grade: B-