Paradise Reel

An Unfinished Life

This is a what I would label as a “quiet film”. There are no huge set pieces or action sequences nor are there any character monologues that go on for five minutes without any cuts. This is an honest film about relationships and the normality that encompass it.

The story line is not one that we are unfamiliar with. The main running theme to this film seems to be about setting things straight with the heart, kind of making your peace with the world. The story begins with Einar Gilkyson, played by Redford (”Spygame” and “The Horse Whisperer”),who has yet to move on after the death of his son. He spends most of his day tending to his run down ranch and the wounds of his best friend and fellow rancher Mitch, brilliantly portrayed by Freeman (”Million Dollar Baby” and “Batman Begins”) who was mauled by a grizzly a year ago. All is quiet on the rancher front till the appearance of Einar’s daughter-in-law Jean, played by the colourful Jennifer Lopez, with his grand daughter in tow. Each of these characters come to the film with an obstacle that they need to overcome.

This is definitely a ensemble movie and all principal cast members turn in excellent performances. Yes, even the ostentatious J-Lo. This is probably her best foray into the realm of serious drama since her first starring film “Selena” (which is still her best film to date). Redford and Freeman both infuse their characters with such nuances and subtleties that one never does question the friendship Einar and Mitch developed over the years. Their characters share a unique dynamism that one buys into their friendship without much difficulty. Redford and Freeman both deliver what one would expect of Oscar winners and they do not disappoint. Well, Redford got his Oscar from directing “Ordinary People” but he is still gives actors half his age a run for their money.

A notable mention to Becca Gardner who plays Einar’s grand daughter, Griff. Although the part of the grand daughter does not require much, the 15 year-old actress slips into her role easily and portrays a convincing chip of the old Gilkyson block.

Lasse Hallström is the director who gave us “What’s Eating Gilbert Grape” and “Chocolat” delivers another film in his unique style and pace. For those who are expecting an all-out drama fest might be a tad disappointed as this film is about a “slice of life” of this bitterly drunk cattle rancher. Imagine if you could pick a total stranger and watch him/her for a period of time. “An Unfinished Life” feels exactly like that. The film throws the audience right in the middle of things without much explanation or back story. We are introduced to the three main characters but no light is shed upon their relationship till much later on. To keep it short, this is a slow movie but in doing so, the film allows those interested to gradually invest our time and emotions into these characters.

One thing that stands out in this film is how all of the characters are devoid of any glamour. Redford is gruff and unshaven most of the film and Freeman spends most of his time bedridden and layered with scar makeup on his back and half of his face. There seem to be an effort to portray these actors as normal and unpolished as their characters are supposed to be which is quite refreshing considering all the concealer and makeup that we are treated to throughout the summer blockbusters.

No one is going to be raving about this film when the credits roll but I would be surprised for those who stayed to the end are not contented in experiencing one of the hidden gems of the summer. This film languished on the shelve for about a year or so and only was released recently (Miramax has a tendency to hold off films for ‘possible’ Oscar contention).

So, if you are looking for a serious drama with solid performances, (Redford and Freeman for the price of one movie ticket? C’mon…) then catch this film before the theaters deem it financially destructive to screen anymore, which should be soon from the looks of the attendance when I watched it.