In a summer full of no-brain entertainment courtesy of aliens, oompah loompahs, penguins and virgins, a thought-provoking film with a strong political message can get lost. Now, it can be found at the Athena Art Series this week.
The Constant Gardener is a political thriller about a man, Justin (Ralph Fiennes), investigating the murder of his activist wife, Tessa (Rachel Weisz), who gradually uncovers a massive conspiracy in Africa targeting its poverty-stricken people.
The movie does not begin at the beginning nor end at the end, creating a fragmented narrative where scenes of Tessa still living play right next to scenes where Justin investigates the mystery surrounding her death. As Gardener progresses, previously scattered scenes gradually become focused, making the film tense and tightly woven.
Though director Fernando Meirelles focuses on the conspiracy at hand, it is the relationship between Justin and Tessa that elevates the film beyond a typical thriller.
Meirelles captures their scenes together with tenderness, using the recurring device of a videotape Justin makes of Tessa and a beautifully-shot sex scene where white light streams in from the windows. Meirelles has an eye for chaos as well, making massive crowd scenes teem with intensity.
Through the scenes of their romance and Tessa's deepening investigations, Weisz balances a commanding presence with a vulnerability that grows, as does the child within her. Fiennes gives a performance of exceptional range, grieving for his wife and feeling trapped and desperate to discover the truth behind the conspiracy. His character deepens even more as he is forced not only to doubt his high-ranking British confidants but also Tessa's past as well.
The theme of a conspiracy that profits from the underprivileged will strike a chord with anyone doubting the integrity of authority.
As a filmmaker, Brazilian director Meirelles has a skillful eye for capturing remarkable images. His previous film, City of God
rightfully and unexpectedly earned four Oscar nominations, upsetting mainstream selections.
Luminously photographed and tautly edited, The Constant Gardener is a visually stimulating film with an alternative, yet relevant message about corporate ethics. It plays today at 7 p.m. and Sunday at 4 p.m. as part of the Athena Art Series. 17
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Kenny Miles
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Rachel Weisz and Ralph Fiennes star in Focus Features' The Constant Gardener
a political thriller playing at the Athena Art Series this week.
