Mina's Summer Distractions #1

The Prettiest Movie You Haven't Seen But Really, Really Need To See Right Now Edition

(Hockey is over...unfortunately. So now we all need something to do to keep us occupied between now and when hockey starts up again in October. This is where I come in! Each week, I'll find something non-hockey related to keep you distracted until hockey starts. Or at least that's the plan.)

I really don't watch a lot of movies. In fact, you would be horrified by the number of movies I haven't seen. (E.T., the first 3 Indiana Jones movies, Goonies, Jurassic Park just to name a few) I just don't have the attention span to sit down and watch a movie on my own. My lack of movie experience was always a point of contention with my ex and he worked diligently to get me to watch more movies.

One of those movies he was very insistent that I see was The Fall. It's directed by the same guy who directed The Cell (You know, with Vincent D'Onofrio? Or Vince Vaughn? Or Jennifer Lopez. Right! That movie) and Immortals (with Henry Cavill, who I will marry one day I'm sure of it (but probably not)). The Fall is simply one of the most visually beautiful movies you will ever see, right on par with Hero. You should watch the trailer. Right now. Seriously. I'll wait while you do. (Like most trailers nowadays, this one gives away too much of the plot in my opinion. My recommendation is to watch the trailer on mute with something classical like playing in the background. On that end, I recommend Beethoven's Symphony No. 7 which is what's playing in the trailer. (I liked starting with this part at about the 4 min mark but it's your call))

Amazing isn't it? Here's some more evidence of how beautiful the visuals are.





Tarsem's use of color throughout the film is spectacular and the locations are right out of a story book. But the visual appeal is not the only reason that this is one of my favorite movies. Without giving too much plot away, the film centers around Roy, a Hollywood stunt man, who has been hurt in a stunt accident and a young girl Alexandria in a hospital in LA. Much of the action takes place in the story that Roy tells Alexandria about  5 outlaws and their plot to kill the evil Governor Odious. The story is well crafted fantasy and has an original flavor that if often lacking in movies today.  Lee Pace, who you might remember from Pushing Daisies (which was taken from us far too soon), does a fantastic job as Roy but it is Catinca Untaru who really steals the movie as Alexandria.  I love that most of her dialogue is unscripted and most of her reactions are spontaneous.

I wish I could tell you an easy way to watch this movie.  It's not streaming on Netflix nor is it available for rent on iTunes.  I'd offer a viewing at my house, but plane tickets might be more than just finding a copy to purchase.  I promise you it's worth the time and money to watch. And if you disagree, I'll compensate you for your time with a beer next time you're at a Sharks game.  Just trust me and watch this movie.