The Constant GardernerDirected by Fernando Meirelles
Screenplay adapted by Jeffrey Caine based on the novel by John le Carré
Starring Ralph Fiennes and Rachel Weisz
A tale of political and corporate intrigue, The Constant Gardener has the elements of drama and suspense built right in its heart. Lead actor Ralph Fiennes plays Justin, a diplomat and loving husband-turned-tormented widow who's determined to find the truth of her dead activist wife's murder.
Uncovering the conspiracy of the big bad pharmaceutical company and the government in using poor and disease-striken African people as human trials, Fiennes character brings danger to himself. Fiennes give no less than an exquisite and refined performance but it's really Rachel Weisz's near-40 minute screentime including ocassional flashbacks as Fiennes' activits wife, Tessa that wins her a coveted spot in the running to be the Best Supporting Actress come Oscar night. Showing off both recticence and vulnerability in her character, Weisz was certainly convincing as Tessa.
The suspense is tight and the cinematography is splendid ranging from scenes of abject poverty and disease in Africa to the private exclusivity of London's high society. (A)
No comments:
Post a Comment