Amelia Earhart is loved by many. Her mysterious death over the Pacific ocean was investigated and pondered over for generations. Her legacy is felt to this very day. I'm familiar with the basic information of Amelia's life, but must admit she's a historical figure I know very little about. This film goes a small way to rectifying that, not enough though. The film seems content on purely documenting her life in mere snapshots, rather than really delving into why this headstrong woman from Kansas did what she did. Sure, we get a quick scene midway through where she explains to her husband that she does it because she has to, to prove to herself that she can, but why? Where did this need of self-assurance come from? Her childhood barely gets a look in, perhaps it stems from there. Don't expect an explanation from this movie though.
The lack of any real insight makes it hard to connect with her as a movie character. The film relies on your adoration of the real Amelia to keep your interest, which just isn't good enough. Director Mira Nair gives the female pilot practically no character arc, meaning we go from start to finish and don't see or feel a change at all. Rather than being swept away in what was obviously an extraordinary life we are taken from A to B as if viewing a school project which is just trying to get full marks for showing the important stuff.
For all its downfalls this biopic isn't a complete waste of time. For starters there is the ever impressive Hilary Swank - she physically embodies her protagonist to a tee, complete with awkward beauty and undeniable charisma – and In support Richard Gere is solid as George Putnam - business man and Amelia's husband – who is dedicated, faithful and loyal to his wife, something that almost makes him more likable than the star herself. Then there is also the astounding look of the film thanks to cinematographer Stuart Dryburgh.
Amelia is flying on one engine only making it a disappointing trip.
2 out of 5 (1 - Rubbish, 2 - Ordinary, 3 - Good, 4 - Excellent, 5 - Classic)
The lack of any real insight makes it hard to connect with her as a movie character. The film relies on your adoration of the real Amelia to keep your interest, which just isn't good enough. Director Mira Nair gives the female pilot practically no character arc, meaning we go from start to finish and don't see or feel a change at all. Rather than being swept away in what was obviously an extraordinary life we are taken from A to B as if viewing a school project which is just trying to get full marks for showing the important stuff.
For all its downfalls this biopic isn't a complete waste of time. For starters there is the ever impressive Hilary Swank - she physically embodies her protagonist to a tee, complete with awkward beauty and undeniable charisma – and In support Richard Gere is solid as George Putnam - business man and Amelia's husband – who is dedicated, faithful and loyal to his wife, something that almost makes him more likable than the star herself. Then there is also the astounding look of the film thanks to cinematographer Stuart Dryburgh.
Amelia is flying on one engine only making it a disappointing trip.
2 out of 5 (1 - Rubbish, 2 - Ordinary, 3 - Good, 4 - Excellent, 5 - Classic)