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General Review:
At the time this film was released, some critics found the film boring and said they couldn't understand Depardieu's English. Perhaps I've listened to too many French films, but I don't have any problems with his English -- in fact, I love the few rare films in which he speaks my native tongue. It's true that the pacing of this film is definitely on the slow side but only if you're expecting traditional swash-buckler fare.
To appreciate this film you have to be willing to be immersed in the mood and elegance of Ridley Scott. The photography is absolutely stunning -- as you can see from the DVD pics on this site. And, of course, the score by Vangelis is one of my all-time favorites. This film makes you feel the lushness of the jungle and the texture of the costumes. The casting is superb, particularly the natives, which in so many films would be played by Hollywood extras in face paint. This attention to authenticity -- from the settings and cast to the costumes -- puts the viewer into the time and place of this film. That's important because we're talking about nothing less than the earth-shaking event of the first Europeans meeting the first peoples of the New World.
What works about this film is this beautiful immersive quality. The story provides us with some interesting mental fodder: Columbus as a man who wasn't afraid to 'think outside the box', his ambition and loyalty to an idea, the politics of the court, the tragedy of Columbus's dishonored end. But these are secondary to the mood and visuals -- the very real textural feeling of being there for the discovery of the New World. That alone is worth your viewing time.
Depardieu Review:
We've seen these kinds of roles for Depardieu before -- in a sense it isn't unlike "Vatel", in which a man of vision and genius is eventually done in by those jealous of his powers. He plays the visionary well, probably because he is one. With a director this strong we see the best of Depardieu -- both as an actor and as a physical presence. This may be one of Depardieu's most physically sexy roles. As Columbus he has a power and appeal which is larger-than-life yet he's believably ordinary. Besides, there's just something about long hair and those period-piece britches.
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