(Robert Pattinson)
(artSMart reviewer Pranesh covered the
recent Durban International Film Festival.)
Brilliant story
well written well acted lacks pace. (Review by Pranesh Maharaj)
The Rover, directed by David Michod who also wrote the screenplay, is a brilliant
story that is well written and well executed by a cast headed by Guy Pearce and
Robert Pattinson. The cinematographer: is Natasha Braier.
A little more could
have been done to set up the time and space. The world of the story sets itself
up gradually; but way too gradually. I loved the start where one is able to
feel the goings on. Then pace died. Shots were held unnecessarily and some
shots didn’t contribute to anything. At 112 minutes, there is plenty place to
snip and they would still be left with that feeling of emptiness that they are
desperately trying to maintain.
Eric (Guy Pearce)
has voided himself from relationships and empathy. He pursues a gang of robbers
who stole his car after almost losing theirs. His pursuit becomes increasingly
desperate and the viewer is left pondering over what he is after. I had a
problem with the synopsis labelling the time a near future as there is no
semblance of a near past in the movie. (Or did my eye escape something?) These
elements are usually fed to you. One should not have to look through the film
with a magnifying glass to find them. Robert Pattinson shines as the confused
brother (Rey) of the gang’s leader who is injured in the heist and left to die.
Eric meets Rey in a very believable coincidence and gets him all fixed up at a
doctor only to force him help track the rest of the gang. The ensuing journey
is brilliant; but again pace, or the lack of it, dropped my attention at times.
I would just like
to see this film back in the cutting room, then it would work perfectly. –
Pranesh Maharaj
For more
information on the Durban International Film Festival, visit www.durbanfilmfest.co.za or call 031 260 2506 or 031 260 1816.
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