Tristan & Isolde Review [2]
Posted by Chad Webb on 01.17.2006
When Tristan met Isolde.....
James Franco: Tristan
Sophia Myles: Isolde
Rufus Sewell: Lord Marke
David O' Hara: King Donnchadh
Henry Cavill: Melot
JB Blanc: Leon
Jamie King: Anwick
Directed by Kevin Reynolds
Release Date: January 13, 2006
Running Time: 2 hours and 5 minutes
Rated PG-13 for intense battle sequences and some sexuality.
Reviewed by Chad Webb
The earliest writing of Tristan and Isolde dates back to 1170 by Thomas of Britain, and the story was redone countless times after that. Over 400 years later in 1597, William Shakespeare released the first version of Romeo and Juliet. Both romances follow a love so profound between two souls who were brought to each other under unfortunate circumstances. Richard Wagner conceived the opera of Tristan and Isolde in 1859. Shakespeare's two lovers were caught in the middle of two families, while Tristan and Isolde are caught between two countries, but both stories posses their own vision of love in the face of tragedy. This film has been translated to the big screen in a very pleasing, yet cautious fashion. Director Kevin Reynolds has shaped a glorious, adventurous, and heartbreaking version of a legend that should have been adapted to film long ago.
As the story opens, text outlining the background of the proceedings is seen, which has become almost a signature for the director. There is a war between Ireland and Britain, and when Tristan's (James Franco) father is killed when he is very little, Tristan receives Lord Marke (Rufus Sewell) as a guardian. Tristan has a effective ability to fight, and this has given him outstanding leadership qualities. During a battle, Tristan is greatly wounded to the point that he is left for dead. When he washes up on the shore, a beautiful Irish princess named Isolde (Sophia Myles) aides his wounds to keep him alive. It is not long before their deep feelings for one another get the better of them. When Isolde's father, King Donnachadh (David O' Hara), is frantically searching the area for any intruders, Isolde sends Tristan away to save his life and hopefully their chance for love. With the two kingdoms, close to peace, Tristan and Isolde hope that one day, fate will bring their love together again in a land where fighting has ceased forever.
This role was a grand opportunity for James Franco because of the talent of the director, but Franco's heartthrob persona keeps him from really coming into his own as a believable Tristan. His attempts at conveying emotion and pain are admirable at best. In defense of James Franco, Tristan is a very difficult task for an actor, and so is Romeo for that matter. A perfect person would be challenging to name for the role, but that does not excuse Franco's bland display of sentiment. James Franco extracts Tristan's finest moments when he is battling. With Reynolds right there to help him along, Franco expresses the crucial guise of a gifted young warrior. The problems arise when Tristan and Isolde are on screen together. Franco appears as if he is performing in his high school auditorium, as opposed to a feature film.
Sophia Myles shines in almost each and every scene as Isolde, who wants a life of her own. Myles has quite a few Kate Winslet qualities to her. Her hair combined with her outfits, and the passionate expressions on her face charm the bloody and painful atmosphere of the film with a dab of sensiblity and delicacy. She represents a woman who has found love, but is afraid of where it can lead her. She keeps asking herself if this newfound romance will help collapse these countries, both of which desperately want to put an end to the war that has plagued all of the citizens. Sadly, the chemistry lurking right beneath the surface of Franco and Myles' relations is never unearthed because Franco is good for looks and not much else. Rufus Sewell leads the rest of the supporting cast with a demanding and gracious form of leadership as Lord Marke.
The supreme attraction of Tristan & Isolde is the man behind the scenes. Director Kevin Reynolds shapes this ancient story into a sturdy, sizzling, and even gruesome film at times. His previous works include the vastly under rated jewel The Count of Monte Cristo. The beauty of Reynolds' pictures is exposed through his set pieces of intense sword play and gorgeous landscapes of worlds from the past. He stimulates the exquisiteness of lands that has been ravaged by conflict. He touches chords of history unlike any other director. His use of language is true enough to the period, yet is comfortable for viewers to understand. The relaxing simplicity of Tristan & Isolde could either turn the audience off, or cause them to appreciate the tenderness and ache that the story possesses. For a PG-13 rating, the film eschews any archetypical plot turns and remains a comprehensive, yet distant offering. It stands undeniable in it's fiery deliverance of a catastrophic love story which has been tarnished by an ongoing struggle. Regardless of the artificial and histrionic dialogue and script, these traits cause Reynolds' films to be just as wonderful with each viewing.
The action scenes are overwhelmed with stunning and vicious attack sequences that are complimented by cinematographer Artur Reinhart. Ridley Scott would have opted for more accomplished stars if he had directed this like he wanted to back in late 1970's. His rendition would have been bit more rugged and even authentic in nature, but that is not Kevin Reynolds' modus operandi. He reaches for all audiences to accept and enjoy his definition of drama, battle, and forbidden romance. I think his direction is courageous and unvarying with passable amounts of entertainment. It could have used a bit of enthusiasm from the lead male star, but in the end the result is satisfactory. Romeo and Juliet has been done and redone, so it was refreshing to witness a new tale brought to life that might not be surprising or shocking, but is powerful and determined nonetheless.
The 411: It will not win any awards, but that should not be a surprise. Tristan & Isolde is not the best work by Kevin Reynolds, and it might even be the worst, but that does not mean it is bad. It is well worth a trip to the theater. It seems like a date movie in which men and women can both enjoy. It has romance, drama, and adventure to please just about everyone. The faults are apparent, but the trailer makes it clear that this film will not be perfect.
