The Revenant is one of the most highly anticipated films of the year (I know it’s only January!). Therefore, I was dying to see it. A personal bonus for me are the two protagonists Leonardo Di Caprio and Tom Hardy – a dynamic and of course incredibly good looking duo that inevitably proved to be a magical pairing on the big screen.
Before I draw attention to the flawless acting displayed in the film, I have to first mention the breathtaking cinematography and stomach churning make up. The Revenant’s setting is in the northern Louisiana Purchase (now the Dakotas), a setting that provides itself as the perfect backdrop for the story. In an interview, Leonardo DiCaprio explained how due to the need for authenticity in the film, they filmed on set and thus had to go up against the difficult weather conditions. It may have been a tough job for them, however, as is made evident in the film, it was extremely worthwhile as the camerawork ensured the audience were able to enjoy the beautiful surroundings and get to grips with the difficult conditions that the characters were inhabiting.
Photo Credit: Courtesy Twentieth Century Fox. Copyright © 2015 Twentieth Century Fox Film Corporation.
Also, was the talented makeup artistry in the film, not only did the actors completely change appearance to fit in seamlessly with the characters they were portraying, but the injuries placed onto their skin was enough to make me go green in the face. In particular, was the infamous bear scene which has been surrounded by controversy due to the insinuated rape suggested by some. Regardless, the brutal injuries to Leonardo’s character, Glass, caused by the bear’s massive claws are nightmare-inducing with the assistance of the gory blood and believable inner body parts. The grisly effects provoked two horrified audience members to leave!
The story of the film is an incredible testimony to the power of revenge; Glass spends the majority of the film being motivated to continue his journey in the hope of finally getting revenge on Fitzgerald, played spectacularly by Tom Hardy. Along the way, there are other stories such as the Arikara Native Americans who are on the hunt for one of their kind and Glass’ past which led him to the position he is in today.
It is a film I cannot recommend enough to anyone that is a fan of the actors Leonardo DiCaprio and Tom Hardy or themes such as violence, revenge, gore, and thriller. Although it had a rather long running time of two and a half hours, it was worth every minute. Although I would advise not to eat before or during the film, so as to prevent any of you with a weak stomach from having to run out mid-viewing!
