A delicate strong story.But not a biography. Only homage for a belief, vision and adventure. So, it is difficult to define a film without great ambitions but with good taste.The bricks are not the truth or realistic portrait. Feelings, pieces from gestures and sage wise are gift for the public. And a sun - shine Hilary Swank. A Richard Gere , same lost hero of old years. The fever of fly, the small details and interior fight, the end as mist and flavor of a dream in the skin of reality. It is not a chronicle, testimony or documentary. It is not a masterpiece but may be a beautiful pendant.Must see! For a travel in the teenage corners.
115 Reviews
A Pleasant Movie
ccthemovieman-125 May 2010
I found this to be exactly as a few had described: "a fair movie, not great but not bad, either." I'm not surprised it didn't do well at the box office even though I cannot pan the film. I enjoyed it.
Even though I liked it, something was missing: maybe an edge and a few things to get us more involved with the characters. It was hard to warm up to either Earhart (Hilary Swank) or her husband George Putnam (Richard Gere.). Swank and Gere usually play interesting roles so to see them so bland here is a bit of a surprise.
Kudos to Stuart Dryburgh, director of photography, for a very pretty picture. He's done some nice work in the past, such as "The Painted Veil." The airplanes and the overall look of the 1930s is wonderful in here, often capturing my attention more than the dialog.
Overall, it's a pleasant film, a romance more than an adventure. Don't let naysayers discourage you from seeing it, yet on the other hand, don't spend big bucks on it, either.
Even though I liked it, something was missing: maybe an edge and a few things to get us more involved with the characters. It was hard to warm up to either Earhart (Hilary Swank) or her husband George Putnam (Richard Gere.). Swank and Gere usually play interesting roles so to see them so bland here is a bit of a surprise.
Kudos to Stuart Dryburgh, director of photography, for a very pretty picture. He's done some nice work in the past, such as "The Painted Veil." The airplanes and the overall look of the 1930s is wonderful in here, often capturing my attention more than the dialog.
Overall, it's a pleasant film, a romance more than an adventure. Don't let naysayers discourage you from seeing it, yet on the other hand, don't spend big bucks on it, either.
A Highlights Reel
ssunzhong25 October 2009
I was very disappointed with this movie. It's an honest statement and I am prepared to explain why.
This film had so much on its side. Excellent actors, a fascinating subject, in fact the whole thing reeked of Oscar-Worthy... until it actually showed up in theaters. Perhaps it really did try, and I can tell that it was MEANT to be an awards movie. It couldn't be further from worthy.
"Amelia" is a highlights reel of Amelia Earhart's life, faithfully chronicling all the significant events of the famed aviatrix's career. However, it is hollow and nowhere is this more apparent than in the depiction of Earhart's relationships. Or the lack of it. There's no buildup, no exposition, no sort of character interaction to motivate any kind of bond or love forming between individuals. Things just kind of... HAPPEN. Amelia falls in love, falls out of love, and falls in love all over again, all without any sort of event or prompt to motivate it.
In fact, that's the problem of the entire film. Things just HAPPEN with little or not buildup or motivation in between. Poignant moments come and go with no warning or conclusion, rendering them meaningless and out of context. It seems almost as though the director Mira Nair tried a little too hard in the wrong direction.
This is a biopic, not a biography. Plenty of biographies have been written about Ms. Earhart already, the facts belong there. This is supposed to be a movie, and whereas I have no quarrel with facts, they are not the most important aspects. Movies are supposed to be snapshots, truer to the SPIRIT of a character and the MESSAGE of a story than the events within. Events in and of themselves are hollow and meaningless unless the MOTIVATIONS behind them are explained. In "Amelia", they sadly are not, and we are relegated to seeing the brilliant moments of Amelia's life pass with emotionless detachment. Why? Because this movie makes no effort in building character, assuming that the actors' charisma and the fame of their names would automatically make us invested in their fates.
Ms. Nair, you were mistaken.
This film had so much on its side. Excellent actors, a fascinating subject, in fact the whole thing reeked of Oscar-Worthy... until it actually showed up in theaters. Perhaps it really did try, and I can tell that it was MEANT to be an awards movie. It couldn't be further from worthy.
"Amelia" is a highlights reel of Amelia Earhart's life, faithfully chronicling all the significant events of the famed aviatrix's career. However, it is hollow and nowhere is this more apparent than in the depiction of Earhart's relationships. Or the lack of it. There's no buildup, no exposition, no sort of character interaction to motivate any kind of bond or love forming between individuals. Things just kind of... HAPPEN. Amelia falls in love, falls out of love, and falls in love all over again, all without any sort of event or prompt to motivate it.
In fact, that's the problem of the entire film. Things just HAPPEN with little or not buildup or motivation in between. Poignant moments come and go with no warning or conclusion, rendering them meaningless and out of context. It seems almost as though the director Mira Nair tried a little too hard in the wrong direction.
This is a biopic, not a biography. Plenty of biographies have been written about Ms. Earhart already, the facts belong there. This is supposed to be a movie, and whereas I have no quarrel with facts, they are not the most important aspects. Movies are supposed to be snapshots, truer to the SPIRIT of a character and the MESSAGE of a story than the events within. Events in and of themselves are hollow and meaningless unless the MOTIVATIONS behind them are explained. In "Amelia", they sadly are not, and we are relegated to seeing the brilliant moments of Amelia's life pass with emotionless detachment. Why? Because this movie makes no effort in building character, assuming that the actors' charisma and the fame of their names would automatically make us invested in their fates.
Ms. Nair, you were mistaken.
The story behind the legend
moviemanMA24 October 2009
Mira Nair brings to life the story of Amelia Earhart in Amelia. It stars Hilariy Swank, who just might have acted her way into another Oscar nomination and potential win. Alongside her is Richard Gere as George Putnam as her publicist and partner. The story starts with her emergence into the public eye when she tried to become the first woman to fly over the Atlantic Ocean. She does so but not alone, something she would later try to accomplish.
As her popularity grows so does Putnam's interest in his starlet. He wants her to be famous and to be loved. All she wants is to fly. Together they help make strides for female pilots everywhere. In the days leading up to and including the Great Depression, aviation was a primarily male dominated world, but that mattered very little for Amelia.
Along the way she becomes acquainted with Gene Vidal (Ewan McGregor), a pilot himself and someone that Amelia becomes very close to. Amelia's free spirited nature and desire to be set free come in the way with her feelings for Putnam, and as well as Vidal.
The film is not just about one person, but about a person's dreams, desires, and ambition. Amelia lectures and speaks out for women's rights, advocating for them to follow their dreams of either becoming a pilot like her, or just living their life the way they want to. She doesn't want to be tethered down or restricted.
Swank gives a solid performance as the flying ace. She both looks the part and acts the part very well. I must say that I did not know an awful lot about Amelia Earhart other than the common knowledge about her, but I feel like Swank embodied pretty much what I would expect Amelia to be. Swank has such confidence on screen and is not afraid to let it all hang out there. Though her performances in Boys Don't Cry and Million Dollar Baby are more impressive, this is a finely tuned character she has developed and a very likable one. Gere too gives a great performance. He does a great job of becoming Putnam ever so slightly with his voice. It's the tiniest of inflections but it is effective nonetheless.
Nair does a great job of capturing the beauty of flight and the ability that the world has to take you breath away. I didn't think this was a visually stunning film, but a well constructed biopic that tells a story we want to hear. I was interested in how she would present her final flight around the world and I was pleased with how she broke it up into segments and didn't try to make it recreate things we don't know about like in The Perfect Storm. The mystery is still there.
Parts of the film are a bit dry, clichéd, and repetitive, but overall this was a nice film about someone who shouldn't be forgotten. It's a good story with great characters, fine acting, and is pleasing to watch.
As her popularity grows so does Putnam's interest in his starlet. He wants her to be famous and to be loved. All she wants is to fly. Together they help make strides for female pilots everywhere. In the days leading up to and including the Great Depression, aviation was a primarily male dominated world, but that mattered very little for Amelia.
Along the way she becomes acquainted with Gene Vidal (Ewan McGregor), a pilot himself and someone that Amelia becomes very close to. Amelia's free spirited nature and desire to be set free come in the way with her feelings for Putnam, and as well as Vidal.
The film is not just about one person, but about a person's dreams, desires, and ambition. Amelia lectures and speaks out for women's rights, advocating for them to follow their dreams of either becoming a pilot like her, or just living their life the way they want to. She doesn't want to be tethered down or restricted.
Swank gives a solid performance as the flying ace. She both looks the part and acts the part very well. I must say that I did not know an awful lot about Amelia Earhart other than the common knowledge about her, but I feel like Swank embodied pretty much what I would expect Amelia to be. Swank has such confidence on screen and is not afraid to let it all hang out there. Though her performances in Boys Don't Cry and Million Dollar Baby are more impressive, this is a finely tuned character she has developed and a very likable one. Gere too gives a great performance. He does a great job of becoming Putnam ever so slightly with his voice. It's the tiniest of inflections but it is effective nonetheless.
Nair does a great job of capturing the beauty of flight and the ability that the world has to take you breath away. I didn't think this was a visually stunning film, but a well constructed biopic that tells a story we want to hear. I was interested in how she would present her final flight around the world and I was pleased with how she broke it up into segments and didn't try to make it recreate things we don't know about like in The Perfect Storm. The mystery is still there.
Parts of the film are a bit dry, clichéd, and repetitive, but overall this was a nice film about someone who shouldn't be forgotten. It's a good story with great characters, fine acting, and is pleasing to watch.
Some moments for Hilary Swank
harry_tk_yung14 November 2009
Warning: Spoilers
Compared with many other bio pics in the last few years, this one suffers from lacking in emotion stirring ingredients. While Amelia Earhart may still be a popular icon to the general American public, the name may not even register in a global context. Even more realistically, the story of the first woman to fly solo across the Atlantic almost a century ago would generate only mild interest at best. I would not have watched it but for Hilary Swank.
The narrative style is straightforward. Anchored on Earhart's close-up in the cockpit in her final flight across the Pacific (from which she vanished), her life story unfolds in her reflections, with a sprinkle of her own voice-over at the beginning and the end. The scenes alternate between her life's passion (flying in a plane) and the rest of her life (essentially emotional entanglements with two men). Both would have been somewhat banal today but back in the nineteen twenties and thirties would raise some eyebrows.
In the first department, we are treated to various mildly exciting episodes: dangerous fuel shortage in a flight across the Atlantic as a passenger, flying solo through perilous thunderstorms in the same route, attempted take-off in a Pacific Island that ended in crash. In the second department, the relationship is slights reminiscent of Camelot. Although the husband (Richard Gere) and the lover (Ewan McGregor) are not even as remotely as close as Richard and Lancelot, the tolerating husband and bewitched lover suggest the thought association.
If there is something in this movie that gives you its money's worth, it would be the last scene. Even though everyone knows (or must have heard) that Earhart's fateful flight disappeared over the Pacific (some say mysteriously, or even to the extent that it ended in the soils of an enemy state that Earhart was spying for), that last sequence generates considerable tension as we witness how she (together with the co-pilot) gradually loses wireless contact with the ground, her last hope of finding her bearings. The movie suggests, without showing the actual visual, that the lost plane plunged into the ocean, a logical treatment given what was known (or not known). But it's the final conversation (over wireless) before takeoff between Earhart and her husband that really plucks a heartstring. Gere provide good support but it's Swank that is at her best.
Just one more comment, on Hilary Swank's uncanny resemblance to the object of her portrayal. Think back on the portrayals of celebrities in the last few years and you'll notice that such a resemblance has become almost a basic requirement – Meryl Streep's Julia Child, Jamie Foxx's Ray Charles, Philip Seymour Hoffman's Truman Capote, Frank Langella's Richard Nixon, just to name a few. In some cases, particularly the last in my list, the resemblance comes not so much from physical likeness as from the actor's superb acting. This is where praise is most deserving.
The narrative style is straightforward. Anchored on Earhart's close-up in the cockpit in her final flight across the Pacific (from which she vanished), her life story unfolds in her reflections, with a sprinkle of her own voice-over at the beginning and the end. The scenes alternate between her life's passion (flying in a plane) and the rest of her life (essentially emotional entanglements with two men). Both would have been somewhat banal today but back in the nineteen twenties and thirties would raise some eyebrows.
In the first department, we are treated to various mildly exciting episodes: dangerous fuel shortage in a flight across the Atlantic as a passenger, flying solo through perilous thunderstorms in the same route, attempted take-off in a Pacific Island that ended in crash. In the second department, the relationship is slights reminiscent of Camelot. Although the husband (Richard Gere) and the lover (Ewan McGregor) are not even as remotely as close as Richard and Lancelot, the tolerating husband and bewitched lover suggest the thought association.
If there is something in this movie that gives you its money's worth, it would be the last scene. Even though everyone knows (or must have heard) that Earhart's fateful flight disappeared over the Pacific (some say mysteriously, or even to the extent that it ended in the soils of an enemy state that Earhart was spying for), that last sequence generates considerable tension as we witness how she (together with the co-pilot) gradually loses wireless contact with the ground, her last hope of finding her bearings. The movie suggests, without showing the actual visual, that the lost plane plunged into the ocean, a logical treatment given what was known (or not known). But it's the final conversation (over wireless) before takeoff between Earhart and her husband that really plucks a heartstring. Gere provide good support but it's Swank that is at her best.
Just one more comment, on Hilary Swank's uncanny resemblance to the object of her portrayal. Think back on the portrayals of celebrities in the last few years and you'll notice that such a resemblance has become almost a basic requirement – Meryl Streep's Julia Child, Jamie Foxx's Ray Charles, Philip Seymour Hoffman's Truman Capote, Frank Langella's Richard Nixon, just to name a few. In some cases, particularly the last in my list, the resemblance comes not so much from physical likeness as from the actor's superb acting. This is where praise is most deserving.
about a legend
Kirpianuscus21 March 2017
the basic virtue - its freshness. it is a film made with passion and special for the right option for the lead roles. it is a homage. and a realistic portrait of a legendary woman. it is the simple and honest story behind the titles of newspapers. and this did it a great film. Hillary Swank shines as Amelia. and she gives not exactly a beautiful performance but the inspired way for discover her character out of the status of impressive statue. the ambition, the sacrifices, the need to be herself. this is all. and more. because "Amelia" is little more than a biopic. it is the perfect answer to the expectations about yourself who grows up from the early years for each from us.
Ordinary film of extraordinary woman
bbkfinn25 October 2009
Sorry, it's just not enough to have Hillary Swank look the part, which she does. This movie had all the historical ingredients to be a great film, and it instead falls back into the same old bland dialog and formula plot that sinks so many biography movies. This film is like a made for TV movie - paints a pretty picture and refuses to go where no man, or no woman, has gone before. Which means it's a whitewash of history. Offers no real interesting insights into this extraordinary woman - not even her mysterious disappearance. For once, why not just stick to the facts, and give us a slightly less glamorous Amelia, minimize the love story, and show what a truly remarkable explorer she was? How dangerous her flying really was, and the challenges she had to overcome, both in the air and on the ground, in a male-dominated society. This film touches on this, but rather than paint with strong strokes, it uses an airbrush. Not a complete waste of time, just average.
Snoozefest
treeline11 November 2009
In the 1930s, Amelia Earhart was a pioneering woman pilot. She married a man who helped promote her flights. She went missing on the last leg of a round-the-world flight in 1937.
That's all I got from the movie, which is shockingly bad and instantly forgettable. Earhart was a national figure followed by millions, yet you'd never know why from this tepid film. While Hilary Swank seems likable as Amelia and does bear a striking resemblance to her, the script fails to make her the least bit interesting. The dialogue is tedious, the movie has no excitement or tension, and the director destroys any scenes that might have been emotionally compelling. Richard Gere has the thankless job of playing Amelia's husband and comes across as a completely dull fellow. Even the music is boring. What a colossal waste of talent.
That's all I got from the movie, which is shockingly bad and instantly forgettable. Earhart was a national figure followed by millions, yet you'd never know why from this tepid film. While Hilary Swank seems likable as Amelia and does bear a striking resemblance to her, the script fails to make her the least bit interesting. The dialogue is tedious, the movie has no excitement or tension, and the director destroys any scenes that might have been emotionally compelling. Richard Gere has the thankless job of playing Amelia's husband and comes across as a completely dull fellow. Even the music is boring. What a colossal waste of talent.
Hilary Swank Owns It
Chrysanthepop20 March 2010
Given the source material and the fact that Mira Nair has occupied the director's seat, I had been expecting great things from this movie. Sadly, 'Amelia' doesn't live up to being close to those expectations. Nair captures the era very well, through the costumes, set design and music. The visuals, especially the sceneries are stunning. However, the story at times feels contrived and at times more like a documented account of Earhart's life rather than a movie. The pacing is quite slow. However, unlike many others, I didn't find it this one to be a snoozefest but that may be because of my previous knowledge of Amelia Earhart and because of a particular performance which I'll come back to a little later on. It's quite disappointing that Nair didn't demonstrate much back story on Amelia, like how did she make it this far in what was then considered a man's world and how she developed her passion for flying. Despite its flaws, the last fifteen to twenty minutes were well-executed. Here, Nair very subtly builds tension and while the viewer knows what it going to happen, they are in suspense as they anticipate Amelia and her passenger's fate. Richard Gere is quite adequate as Putnam. Ewan McGregor is marginally better. But, it is Hilary Swank who steals the show. She is the force that drives this movie with a nuanced performance. I wonder why she didn't receive much recognition for this portrayal. Needless to say, Swank owns the movie.
Lost at Sea Indeed!
tjackson23 October 2009
Occasionally a movie comes along from Hollywood that sweeps you away with the breadth and scope of its sheer awfulness.
True story - a hank of hair at the International Women's Air and Space Museum in Cleveland thought to be Amelia Earhart's was recently discovered to be, in fact, just thread. This movie is the cinematic equivalent. This movie, thought to be about Amelia Earhart is, in fact, a threaded bundle of clichés and overwrought soap opera moments. If Hilary Swank gave one more brave toothy grin, I thought I was going to have to leave. But I stuck it out to see which was worse, the unconvincing acting, the poor casting, Richard Gere, the costumey looking costumes, or the dreadful Peter Pan soundtrack. But the winner, I think, is the screenplay, which rattles off one maudlin insight after another alternating with scenes of stunning mediocrity played without conviction or chemistry.
If some of this is based on Earhart's real words, then maybe she's just not that interesting a subject for film. My guess is that the forever overly earnest Hillary Swank, as executive producer, buoyed by research and good intentions, convinced Mira Nair that her poetic approach to film-making would be perfect against the pilot's own words of inspiration. The result is a disaster. When you're sitting in the theater having shelled out your ten bucks and you can't wait for Amelia Earhart to die, you know you've gone to the wrong movie.
True story - a hank of hair at the International Women's Air and Space Museum in Cleveland thought to be Amelia Earhart's was recently discovered to be, in fact, just thread. This movie is the cinematic equivalent. This movie, thought to be about Amelia Earhart is, in fact, a threaded bundle of clichés and overwrought soap opera moments. If Hilary Swank gave one more brave toothy grin, I thought I was going to have to leave. But I stuck it out to see which was worse, the unconvincing acting, the poor casting, Richard Gere, the costumey looking costumes, or the dreadful Peter Pan soundtrack. But the winner, I think, is the screenplay, which rattles off one maudlin insight after another alternating with scenes of stunning mediocrity played without conviction or chemistry.
If some of this is based on Earhart's real words, then maybe she's just not that interesting a subject for film. My guess is that the forever overly earnest Hillary Swank, as executive producer, buoyed by research and good intentions, convinced Mira Nair that her poetic approach to film-making would be perfect against the pilot's own words of inspiration. The result is a disaster. When you're sitting in the theater having shelled out your ten bucks and you can't wait for Amelia Earhart to die, you know you've gone to the wrong movie.
An interesting historic tale
alienworlds23 October 2009
Nice attempt to capture the feeling of the time of the flying legend Amelia Earhard, who was an important aviation pioneer in the late 20s and 30s, a time that relegated women to second class citizens in many respects. I thought it was a well done film but not a film for everybody-maybe a film for anyone who has ever had an interest in planes and the history of important people in that genre. Excellent shots of early planes and the roaring days of flying in the 20s and 30s. Sad ending, which could not be avoided considering the tragic way Amelia Earhard vanished on the way to a tiny island in the vastness of the Pacific ocean in 1937. I read somewhere that someone found a pair of flying boots washed up on a small atoll in that area of the Pacific back there somewhere timewise, that some folk think might have originated with the last flight of AE. There are thousands of small islands in the Pacific, but not much where AE was flying, according to what I have read about her. Well, all in all, a film for history buffs and aviation fans, not for everybody, but not bad at all if you like that type of thing.People were not the same back then and I think the film strives to capture the way people were, and perhaps now, they appears stuffy, but I think they were that way.
Well done
jsorenson77719 April 2010
Some people shouldn't see some movies.
This is a period piece and a character study -- both very well done. Some younger viewers may be looking for more action and maybe a happy ending. Maybe a car chase or two.
Works well as a love story between complex characters and as a depiction of Amelia and her time.
Tarentino can change history for fun and profit, but these folks did their best to try depicting truth. Gere and Swank exhibit high level acting skills here and the story moves well from scene to scene.
Not the kind of movie that is going to be popular with the average viewers and not a big money-maker, but a fine film nonetheless.
This is a period piece and a character study -- both very well done. Some younger viewers may be looking for more action and maybe a happy ending. Maybe a car chase or two.
Works well as a love story between complex characters and as a depiction of Amelia and her time.
Tarentino can change history for fun and profit, but these folks did their best to try depicting truth. Gere and Swank exhibit high level acting skills here and the story moves well from scene to scene.
Not the kind of movie that is going to be popular with the average viewers and not a big money-maker, but a fine film nonetheless.
Ignore the negative criticism, this is a superb movie for aviation and history fans.
TxMike12 February 2010
Warning: Spoilers
Amelia Earhart never set out to be an example, to be a champion of women's rights, she just wanted to see the world and have fun doing it. As a young girl she was smitten with the the idea of flying, to be free to move in three dimensions. From Kansas, a very straightforward person, she knew what she wanted and forged ahead until she got it. She wanted to see the world, the whole world, and flying would take her there.
She was not the best female pilot of her time, but she was the most persistent. We would still probably have female airline pilots, military pilots, and space shuttle pilots today even if Earhart had never come along, but she sure helped make sure it happened in a timely manner.
Hilary Swank, co-producer, is Amelia Earhart. The movie begins in earnest on June 1, 1937, in Miami where she and her navigator set out for the around-the-world flight that was to be completed in California on July 4th. But as history witnesses, she didn't make it, the plane and crew were lost at sea, searching for the tiny Pacific island where they were to re-fuel for the flight to Hawaii.
Between the first scene in June 1937, and the last scene in July 1937, the middle of the movie takes us from 1928 to 1937, the years where she was expanding her flying experience and getting involved with those who would be key participants in her life. Richard Gere is George Putnam, whom she married, even though she had always thought she was not the marrying type, it would be too confining. And Ewan McGregor as Gene Vidal, former Olympian and then West Point aviation instructor, and who went on to form several airlines in the USA. And who also is the father of Gore Vidal.
I found and watched the documentary DVD of Amelia Earhart's life, several weeks before I watched this movie on DVD. Both are worth the time to view them. I know it is silly in context, but during this movie, as Amelia was searching for the tiny island, I found myself hoping this time she would make it safely.
Good movie.
She was not the best female pilot of her time, but she was the most persistent. We would still probably have female airline pilots, military pilots, and space shuttle pilots today even if Earhart had never come along, but she sure helped make sure it happened in a timely manner.
Hilary Swank, co-producer, is Amelia Earhart. The movie begins in earnest on June 1, 1937, in Miami where she and her navigator set out for the around-the-world flight that was to be completed in California on July 4th. But as history witnesses, she didn't make it, the plane and crew were lost at sea, searching for the tiny Pacific island where they were to re-fuel for the flight to Hawaii.
Between the first scene in June 1937, and the last scene in July 1937, the middle of the movie takes us from 1928 to 1937, the years where she was expanding her flying experience and getting involved with those who would be key participants in her life. Richard Gere is George Putnam, whom she married, even though she had always thought she was not the marrying type, it would be too confining. And Ewan McGregor as Gene Vidal, former Olympian and then West Point aviation instructor, and who went on to form several airlines in the USA. And who also is the father of Gore Vidal.
I found and watched the documentary DVD of Amelia Earhart's life, several weeks before I watched this movie on DVD. Both are worth the time to view them. I know it is silly in context, but during this movie, as Amelia was searching for the tiny island, I found myself hoping this time she would make it safely.
Good movie.
Conflict-free dull portrayal of an interesting woman
itsmegin26 October 2009
Warning: Spoilers
Despite reading a few negative reviews, I had high hopes for Amelia. Of course, the critics were right and it was not good. The best thing about this film was the cinematography. With grand, sweeping aerial shots of all the gorgeous land and sea Amelia flew over, there's no denying it was stunning visually. That and the fact that Hilary Swank looked just like Amelia Earhart are the two things I could say were done well. The rest was a mess.
There were little things that were irritating about the film. Hilary Swank's weird accent bothered me. I don't know anyone from Kansas, so I'm not sure what women from Kansas in the 1920s and 30s would have sounded like, but if they truly sounded as irritating and awful as Hilary Swank did, then the acting coaches should have taken poetic license and allowed her to speak normally. Her accent was so odd, it was distracting. It was also inconsistent and drew attention to itself, taking me out of the experience of the film.
The chemistry between Amelia and George Putnam, played by Richard Gere, was entirely lacking. While Richard tried his best to feign love, and said all the right things, I just didn't buy it. And Amelia was cold and completely unlovable towards him, which I assumed was just part of her character, since when he proposed marriage she responded with a grimace and a promise that she would not be faithful nor would she expect him to be. Because she was so honest, it was not dramatic, interesting or exciting when she began her passionless, short-lived affair with Gene Vidal.
The only thing keeping me awake through most of the film was my popcorn, but I perked up slightly when I thought perhaps they were hinting at Amelia being gay. This at least, was a new take on her life that I hadn't heard of yet. While at a bar, she pointed out that a woman nearby was very attractive. That, her masculine appearance, and her support of other female pilots, particularly the mentoring of an attractive young competitor combined to make me wonder if maybe the filmmakers were going to explore that side of her story. But no, it was just an idle comment used to explain why Amelia always wore pants, she admired the other woman's legs and thought her own were inadequate. Yawn.
The primary problem with this film goes back to the script at its very basic level. There was an utter lack of conflict that made the story incredibly dull. Biographies are hard to do well, as most people's lives are meandering and episodic by nature. We all know the fascinating story surrounding Amelia Earhart's disappearance. This story should have brought us into her life, engaged us so thoroughly that we were on the edge of our seats and calling out "No Amelia-don't get on that plane!" as we watched her take the fateful voyage. Because if we had cared more about her and been brought into her world by an exciting, conflict-driven look at her life, we would have been emotionally attached and deeply moved at the thought of her demise. We all knew how Titanic would end, but were nonetheless moved to tears when we watched Jack sink to his watery grave, because the writers of Titanic did what the writers of Amelia did not-they got the audience emotionally involved with the characters so that we cared whether they lived or died. Watching Amelia was like watching a historically accurate documentary which included all the dull parts of a real person's life. There was little focus on the obstacles and conflicts Amelia Earhart no doubt faced in doing what she did at that time in American history. Instead, everything seemed relatively easy for her. The main conflict arose from her feeling like a sell-out while endorsing product after product, but this too was explained and accepted as necessary, and didn't create any real drama or conflict for the hero.
When the ending we all saw coming finally arrived, it was just that, the end of a story we already know, no less exciting after watching this uninspired portrayal of a woman who truly was groundbreaking and inspirational. It's a shame that the writers did not craft a more engaging Amelia for Hilary Swank to embody. The real woman was a passionate pioneer whose life was interesting, dramatic and groundbreaking. This bravery and zeal could have been captured by an actress as talented as Hilary Swank if the writers had given her a story to work with, rather than this dull retelling of facts.
There were little things that were irritating about the film. Hilary Swank's weird accent bothered me. I don't know anyone from Kansas, so I'm not sure what women from Kansas in the 1920s and 30s would have sounded like, but if they truly sounded as irritating and awful as Hilary Swank did, then the acting coaches should have taken poetic license and allowed her to speak normally. Her accent was so odd, it was distracting. It was also inconsistent and drew attention to itself, taking me out of the experience of the film.
The chemistry between Amelia and George Putnam, played by Richard Gere, was entirely lacking. While Richard tried his best to feign love, and said all the right things, I just didn't buy it. And Amelia was cold and completely unlovable towards him, which I assumed was just part of her character, since when he proposed marriage she responded with a grimace and a promise that she would not be faithful nor would she expect him to be. Because she was so honest, it was not dramatic, interesting or exciting when she began her passionless, short-lived affair with Gene Vidal.
The only thing keeping me awake through most of the film was my popcorn, but I perked up slightly when I thought perhaps they were hinting at Amelia being gay. This at least, was a new take on her life that I hadn't heard of yet. While at a bar, she pointed out that a woman nearby was very attractive. That, her masculine appearance, and her support of other female pilots, particularly the mentoring of an attractive young competitor combined to make me wonder if maybe the filmmakers were going to explore that side of her story. But no, it was just an idle comment used to explain why Amelia always wore pants, she admired the other woman's legs and thought her own were inadequate. Yawn.
The primary problem with this film goes back to the script at its very basic level. There was an utter lack of conflict that made the story incredibly dull. Biographies are hard to do well, as most people's lives are meandering and episodic by nature. We all know the fascinating story surrounding Amelia Earhart's disappearance. This story should have brought us into her life, engaged us so thoroughly that we were on the edge of our seats and calling out "No Amelia-don't get on that plane!" as we watched her take the fateful voyage. Because if we had cared more about her and been brought into her world by an exciting, conflict-driven look at her life, we would have been emotionally attached and deeply moved at the thought of her demise. We all knew how Titanic would end, but were nonetheless moved to tears when we watched Jack sink to his watery grave, because the writers of Titanic did what the writers of Amelia did not-they got the audience emotionally involved with the characters so that we cared whether they lived or died. Watching Amelia was like watching a historically accurate documentary which included all the dull parts of a real person's life. There was little focus on the obstacles and conflicts Amelia Earhart no doubt faced in doing what she did at that time in American history. Instead, everything seemed relatively easy for her. The main conflict arose from her feeling like a sell-out while endorsing product after product, but this too was explained and accepted as necessary, and didn't create any real drama or conflict for the hero.
When the ending we all saw coming finally arrived, it was just that, the end of a story we already know, no less exciting after watching this uninspired portrayal of a woman who truly was groundbreaking and inspirational. It's a shame that the writers did not craft a more engaging Amelia for Hilary Swank to embody. The real woman was a passionate pioneer whose life was interesting, dramatic and groundbreaking. This bravery and zeal could have been captured by an actress as talented as Hilary Swank if the writers had given her a story to work with, rather than this dull retelling of facts.
Amelia- Since When Was Aviation this Dull? **1/2
edwagreen9 November 2010
Warning: Spoilers
The first half hour of the movie was terribly dull. You're almost rooting for Ms. Earhart to get lost over the Atlantic and end it all.
The film finally picks up at the time where Ms. Earhart, while married, begins an affair with a member of the Aeronautics Board. He has a son. By the way, was the guy divorced or a widower? This is never explained.
Richard Gere seems very uncomfortable in the role of Ms. Earhart's husband. He looks like he is in torture to say his lines.
While the real Amelia Earhart was certainly no beauty, Hilary Swank looks like she is a lesbian, especially with those broad shoulders and outlandish hairdo. While they wore their hair like that in the 1930s, it is still unbecoming to her. Even the woman who briefly portrays Eleanor Roosevelt looked better than Swank did.
Those last minutes when Earhart lost contact with the ground is never-ending. Whatever happened to Amelia Earhart? Did the Japanese shoot the plane down when she may have viewed some of their war-like intentions from the air?
The film finally picks up at the time where Ms. Earhart, while married, begins an affair with a member of the Aeronautics Board. He has a son. By the way, was the guy divorced or a widower? This is never explained.
Richard Gere seems very uncomfortable in the role of Ms. Earhart's husband. He looks like he is in torture to say his lines.
While the real Amelia Earhart was certainly no beauty, Hilary Swank looks like she is a lesbian, especially with those broad shoulders and outlandish hairdo. While they wore their hair like that in the 1930s, it is still unbecoming to her. Even the woman who briefly portrays Eleanor Roosevelt looked better than Swank did.
Those last minutes when Earhart lost contact with the ground is never-ending. Whatever happened to Amelia Earhart? Did the Japanese shoot the plane down when she may have viewed some of their war-like intentions from the air?
One gutsy womans passionate love affair with flying
mrcibubur3 February 2010
A most enjoyable movie and I had NEVER heard of Amelia Earheart before I watched this movie, so there, did i have to? She was one gutsy woman, portrayed by this film, who put flying first and love second, that is why clearly Richard Gere had to take a peripheral role in this role and though I feel Gere was the wrong man for the job this time around, he did the job well enough. the British Christopher Eccleston produced an extraordinary American accent playing Fred Noonan and Ewan McGregors role was comfortable enough.
the flying element of the film has received a lot of criticism, by those who understand aviation and by those (me included) who know nothing of aviation. As an aviation spectacle, the film definitely works because this is a love story of one woman with flying, not one womans love story with George Putnam or the other 'chap'! let us clear be about that and enjoy the film for what it is.
Not award winning at Oscar level but entertaining and interesting. Some of the facts may have been changed around but not the basics, again I say this is a movie for entertainment and not a documentary and thank god I didn't get dished something like Nights at Rodanthe which I was served the last time I watched Gere with a mature woman.
Hilary Swank is beyond criticism in this role, she clearly researched her character and acted with great integrity and pride. Amelia Earheart clearly flew at a time of aviation transformation and full credit to her for what she did in her life, whether she was foolhardy or not, she died doing something she loved.
Sometimes we can know too much and it spoils our instinctive enjoyment of something; don't let that happen with this film. I am not a fan of Swank or Gere but to be honest, they delivered the goods here against the odds.
the flying element of the film has received a lot of criticism, by those who understand aviation and by those (me included) who know nothing of aviation. As an aviation spectacle, the film definitely works because this is a love story of one woman with flying, not one womans love story with George Putnam or the other 'chap'! let us clear be about that and enjoy the film for what it is.
Not award winning at Oscar level but entertaining and interesting. Some of the facts may have been changed around but not the basics, again I say this is a movie for entertainment and not a documentary and thank god I didn't get dished something like Nights at Rodanthe which I was served the last time I watched Gere with a mature woman.
Hilary Swank is beyond criticism in this role, she clearly researched her character and acted with great integrity and pride. Amelia Earheart clearly flew at a time of aviation transformation and full credit to her for what she did in her life, whether she was foolhardy or not, she died doing something she loved.
Sometimes we can know too much and it spoils our instinctive enjoyment of something; don't let that happen with this film. I am not a fan of Swank or Gere but to be honest, they delivered the goods here against the odds.
Amelia is flying on one engine only making it a disappointing trip.
Troy_Campbell13 November 2009
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)
inspiring film about the most famous woman of her time
serendipity16024 October 2009
Warning: Spoilers
Most professional reviewers share the same conclusion .. the following sentence boils their reviews down to one sentence: the movie stinks.
But I'm not a professional film critic. I'm the average film buff who watches movies for one main reason: to be transported to a different place or time by a story that could be inspiring, gritty, funny, emotional, romantic, thrilling or horrifying.
This movie was not perfect.. yes, there were some cheesy dialogs and not enough background on Amelia Earhart's passion for flying. But these shortcomings were made up by spectacular cinematography (breathtaking views of the Victoria Falls), authentic airplanes (they used a version of the 1937 Lockheed Electra that Amelia used on her last fateful voyage), brilliant acting (Hillary looks and acts the part to a T) and resonating music (by Gabriel Yared of "City of Angels" fame).
I'm going to take the 5th as far as Mira Nair's hand in this film is concerned. I've seen this director use more originality to bring fiery screenplays to life on the big screen ("Monsoon Wedding", "The Namesake"), so there does seem to be a disconnect between "Amelia" and her previous films.. I'll say no more :) Don't write off the movie based on the negative reviews. Watch the film for its real appeal - the story of a courageous woman, ahead of her time, who seized every opportunity to live her dreams, whatever the consequence.
But I'm not a professional film critic. I'm the average film buff who watches movies for one main reason: to be transported to a different place or time by a story that could be inspiring, gritty, funny, emotional, romantic, thrilling or horrifying.
This movie was not perfect.. yes, there were some cheesy dialogs and not enough background on Amelia Earhart's passion for flying. But these shortcomings were made up by spectacular cinematography (breathtaking views of the Victoria Falls), authentic airplanes (they used a version of the 1937 Lockheed Electra that Amelia used on her last fateful voyage), brilliant acting (Hillary looks and acts the part to a T) and resonating music (by Gabriel Yared of "City of Angels" fame).
I'm going to take the 5th as far as Mira Nair's hand in this film is concerned. I've seen this director use more originality to bring fiery screenplays to life on the big screen ("Monsoon Wedding", "The Namesake"), so there does seem to be a disconnect between "Amelia" and her previous films.. I'll say no more :) Don't write off the movie based on the negative reviews. Watch the film for its real appeal - the story of a courageous woman, ahead of her time, who seized every opportunity to live her dreams, whatever the consequence.
An inspiration of .fearless self-motivation, courage, focused determination, self-acceptance... and being human!
janyeap22 October 2009
Warning: Spoilers
Based on Susan Butler's 1997 "East to the Dawn: The Life of Amelia Earhart,", Mary S. Lovell's 1989 "The Sound of Wings", and Elgin Long's "Amelia Earhart: The Mystery Solved," this film offers the story of Amelia Earhart with those parts of her life that have touched the psyche of so many since that day she and Fred Noonan disappeared, 72 years ago, over the tiny atoll of Howland Island. Not only does this film beautifully create striking visuals of the Great Depression Era, but Hillary Swank is an amazing choice for the Amelia Earhart role... the black and white newsreel footage of the real Amelia Earhart is very telling.
This delightful epic period film focuses on Amelia Earhart, from her first taste of fame in 1928 to her 1937 disappearance. We watch the charismatic dilettante whose true fidelity is basically her love of flying, leaving her romantic life as secondary the men in her life seen as her stepping stones to realizing her big dreams. Even her sinusitis does seem to deter her from soaring high in the pursuit of her challenging goals. Hilary Swank's Amelia is a woman who chafes against gender barriers to inspire young women to follow her footsteps. This is the woman, who as a young girl, has let her sight of an airplane to grip her interest. An inexperienced pilot of her earlier years with her many unexpected and false landings, the fearless and determined Amelia, in 1932, insists on taking her first solo flight in the fire-engine-red Lockheed Vega (currently housed at Washington DC's Smithsonian Air and Space Museum) to succeed and become the first woman to fly across the Atlantic. Hilary Swank's Amelia mesmerizes. And this film brings an era in which flying is not without perils. And yet, nothing deters the determined the gutsy and spunky Amelia as she overcomes one obstacle after another. And yet, behind her feisty determination, the gentler feminine side of Amelia does not escape the viewers. Director Mira Nair's film celebrates Amelia Earhart as a heroic aviatrix as well as a woman with human sensibilities and sensitivities. The scenes of her interactions with young Gore Vidal are pretty telling. And love for Amelia and according to this film, is being defined in various interesting aspects.
Scenes, involving the Ninety-Nine organization that includes its original female pilots, her marketing of her Modemaire Earhart luggage, and her involvement in promoting commercial air travel, speak of Amelia's creative, organizational, and enterprising spirit and talents. And as we watch Amelia moving among the elite, her fashion sense is obviously different from the norm. It is not surprising that the real Amelia Earhart was known to influence a line of extraordinarily unique sportswear to the era.
Indeed Director Mira Nair's film focuses on the human foibles of the legendary Amelia Earhart, instead of merely letting the viewers see the same icon as created by George Putnam and his publishing machine! Interestingly, each supporting character renders a unique purpose in this film to offer the audience a better sense of the personality of Swank's Amelia as she pursues her dream and fame. It's truly cool to watch Richard Gere's charismatic George Putman, Ewan McGregor's charming and thoughtful Gene Vidal and Christopher Eccleston's macho Fred Noonan get to learn and accept Amelia's free spirited personality. Indeed, Gabriel Yared's orchestral score splendidly captures the varied moods of the spunky and fearless Amelia throughout the film.
A gorgeously crafted film that is both captivating, as well offering a study of Amelia Earhart, both as a celebrated and fearless aviatrix, a gutsy feminist in her era, yet never failing to reveal the humanely sensitive nature of Amelia as a woman! Indeed, Director Nair has revealed Amelia, not only a courageous and determined restless woman with phenomenal spirit, but underneath her close-cropped, blond hair hidden under her aviator helmet, her goggles, her leather flight jacket and sported flight pants, Amelia was also a human being with feminine sensibilities.
The final few scenes, in this film, are both touching and unnerving. It's finale succeeds in bungling my mind with lots of unanswerable questions in the same way the mysterious disappearance of the real Amelia Earhart have continued, for the past seven decades, to trigger in so many minds!
This delightful epic period film focuses on Amelia Earhart, from her first taste of fame in 1928 to her 1937 disappearance. We watch the charismatic dilettante whose true fidelity is basically her love of flying, leaving her romantic life as secondary the men in her life seen as her stepping stones to realizing her big dreams. Even her sinusitis does seem to deter her from soaring high in the pursuit of her challenging goals. Hilary Swank's Amelia is a woman who chafes against gender barriers to inspire young women to follow her footsteps. This is the woman, who as a young girl, has let her sight of an airplane to grip her interest. An inexperienced pilot of her earlier years with her many unexpected and false landings, the fearless and determined Amelia, in 1932, insists on taking her first solo flight in the fire-engine-red Lockheed Vega (currently housed at Washington DC's Smithsonian Air and Space Museum) to succeed and become the first woman to fly across the Atlantic. Hilary Swank's Amelia mesmerizes. And this film brings an era in which flying is not without perils. And yet, nothing deters the determined the gutsy and spunky Amelia as she overcomes one obstacle after another. And yet, behind her feisty determination, the gentler feminine side of Amelia does not escape the viewers. Director Mira Nair's film celebrates Amelia Earhart as a heroic aviatrix as well as a woman with human sensibilities and sensitivities. The scenes of her interactions with young Gore Vidal are pretty telling. And love for Amelia and according to this film, is being defined in various interesting aspects.
Scenes, involving the Ninety-Nine organization that includes its original female pilots, her marketing of her Modemaire Earhart luggage, and her involvement in promoting commercial air travel, speak of Amelia's creative, organizational, and enterprising spirit and talents. And as we watch Amelia moving among the elite, her fashion sense is obviously different from the norm. It is not surprising that the real Amelia Earhart was known to influence a line of extraordinarily unique sportswear to the era.
Indeed Director Mira Nair's film focuses on the human foibles of the legendary Amelia Earhart, instead of merely letting the viewers see the same icon as created by George Putnam and his publishing machine! Interestingly, each supporting character renders a unique purpose in this film to offer the audience a better sense of the personality of Swank's Amelia as she pursues her dream and fame. It's truly cool to watch Richard Gere's charismatic George Putman, Ewan McGregor's charming and thoughtful Gene Vidal and Christopher Eccleston's macho Fred Noonan get to learn and accept Amelia's free spirited personality. Indeed, Gabriel Yared's orchestral score splendidly captures the varied moods of the spunky and fearless Amelia throughout the film.
A gorgeously crafted film that is both captivating, as well offering a study of Amelia Earhart, both as a celebrated and fearless aviatrix, a gutsy feminist in her era, yet never failing to reveal the humanely sensitive nature of Amelia as a woman! Indeed, Director Nair has revealed Amelia, not only a courageous and determined restless woman with phenomenal spirit, but underneath her close-cropped, blond hair hidden under her aviator helmet, her goggles, her leather flight jacket and sported flight pants, Amelia was also a human being with feminine sensibilities.
The final few scenes, in this film, are both touching and unnerving. It's finale succeeds in bungling my mind with lots of unanswerable questions in the same way the mysterious disappearance of the real Amelia Earhart have continued, for the past seven decades, to trigger in so many minds!
on the dry side
blanche-230 July 2012
I have a feeling that 2009's "Amelia" plays better on DVD than it did in the theater. There's something about paying $10 for a movie that falls short that can really sour a person on it.
Hillary Swank obviously thought this would be a great role for her, so she is a producer of this film. She was right -- she and Earhart share a similar androgynous quality, and Swank worked on getting her resemblance to the aviator as close as possible. As her partner-promoter-husband, George Putnam, Richard Gere is wonderful. And he's not an actor I usually like.
The film purports to tell the life story of Amelia Earhart, but like "The Elizabeth Taylor Story" from some years ago, just as an example, it seems to be a series of headlines. She meets George Putnam (Richard Gere) and a couple of scenes later, he says he hasn't had much time to be alone with her. We don't see the relationship develop.
If you don't know a lot about Amelia Earhart, the film is interesting. I had no idea that she did so many product endorsements in order to finance her flying - she had her own clothing line and luggage line besides all the products she advertised. Her personal life is interesting, too: she was rumored to have a romance with Gene Vidal, Gore Vidal's father, and also with Paul Mantz, another pilot. Mantz isn't part of this film, but he is a character in two other films about Earhart.
Swank talks like Katharine Hepburn, which I assume is the way Earhart talked, not unusual for those days. The film has an occasional narration by Swank, quotes from her diaries about her flying.
"Amelia" is a pretty film about an early feminist and a true adventurer. Unfortunately we don't get enough of her essence in this film.
Hillary Swank obviously thought this would be a great role for her, so she is a producer of this film. She was right -- she and Earhart share a similar androgynous quality, and Swank worked on getting her resemblance to the aviator as close as possible. As her partner-promoter-husband, George Putnam, Richard Gere is wonderful. And he's not an actor I usually like.
The film purports to tell the life story of Amelia Earhart, but like "The Elizabeth Taylor Story" from some years ago, just as an example, it seems to be a series of headlines. She meets George Putnam (Richard Gere) and a couple of scenes later, he says he hasn't had much time to be alone with her. We don't see the relationship develop.
If you don't know a lot about Amelia Earhart, the film is interesting. I had no idea that she did so many product endorsements in order to finance her flying - she had her own clothing line and luggage line besides all the products she advertised. Her personal life is interesting, too: she was rumored to have a romance with Gene Vidal, Gore Vidal's father, and also with Paul Mantz, another pilot. Mantz isn't part of this film, but he is a character in two other films about Earhart.
Swank talks like Katharine Hepburn, which I assume is the way Earhart talked, not unusual for those days. The film has an occasional narration by Swank, quotes from her diaries about her flying.
"Amelia" is a pretty film about an early feminist and a true adventurer. Unfortunately we don't get enough of her essence in this film.
An average film which had potential to be excellent
Gordon-117 February 2010
This film is about the life of Amelia Earhart, the first woman who flew across the Atlantic Ocean.
"Amelia" suffers from what a biopic suffers from, which is cramming far too much into a short space of time. The first 70 minutes or so skims through Amelia's life so quickly, that even a notable event seems like an afterthought. Within just fifteen minutes, Amelia has already failed flying across the Atlantic and is trying the second time. Scenes are so rushed that they seem truncated and incomplete. The plot is not explained enough, so I am left with so more questions about what, why or how with each passing scene.
The second part of the film, which is about the last half hour, there is substantial improvement. The pacing is finally right, and becomes more engaging. Hilary Swank portrays Amelia's desperation and helplessness well, making viewers feel for Amelia's impending fate.
If the film only concentrated on her final circumnavigation journey, and covers less on her private life, then it would have been more focused and less rushed. Overall, "Amelia" is an average film which had potential to be excellent.
"Amelia" suffers from what a biopic suffers from, which is cramming far too much into a short space of time. The first 70 minutes or so skims through Amelia's life so quickly, that even a notable event seems like an afterthought. Within just fifteen minutes, Amelia has already failed flying across the Atlantic and is trying the second time. Scenes are so rushed that they seem truncated and incomplete. The plot is not explained enough, so I am left with so more questions about what, why or how with each passing scene.
The second part of the film, which is about the last half hour, there is substantial improvement. The pacing is finally right, and becomes more engaging. Hilary Swank portrays Amelia's desperation and helplessness well, making viewers feel for Amelia's impending fate.
If the film only concentrated on her final circumnavigation journey, and covers less on her private life, then it would have been more focused and less rushed. Overall, "Amelia" is an average film which had potential to be excellent.
The aviator
jotix10022 August 2010
Warning: Spoilers
Amelia Earhart, one of the most daring women in history, is the subject of this biopic that tries to reconstruct a life of a truly original aviation pioneer. As with biographies like "Amelia", the viewer has been acquainted with some points of her larger than large life and the mystery of her disappearance. The reenactment of her last flight is interspersed throughout the film with other aspects of her life.
The early days of aviation in America were somehow reserved for men. Women had to take a second seat to their male counterparts. Because of her determination to break into this a new field that presented so many opportunities, Amelia Earhart made an important contribution in the way women invaded that male dominated area. Amelia was above all a feminist that decided to go against conventions of the times in which she lived.
She married New York publisher George Putnam, a union that on the surface appeared to have been made in heaven. Yet, Amelia saw something in Gene Vidal, the founder of the now defunct Eastern Airlines, Trans World Airlines and Northwest Airlines. He was quite an influence in her determination to go ahead with her dreams. Evidently, as the film points, she was loyal to George, despite of what she might have felt for Vidal.
The last sequence of the film shows her attempt to reach Howland Island, a small island in the Pacific which would have been her next to last port of call in the historic flight around the world. The elements conspired against her and her fellow aviator not to reach their destination. The mystery of what happened to her, has fascinated people for years.
Mira Nair, the director of "Amelia" presents the material written by Ron Bass and Anna Hamilton Phelan, based on two books about Amelia Earhart. Their account of Ms. Earhart shows a determined woman in search of adventure. Her legend looms larger than life. It is a story that has fascinated people ever since her disappearance. Hillary Swank seems to be the perfect actress to play the woman aviator because of the uncanny resemblance between them. Richard Gere is seen as George Putnam and Ewan McGregor plays Gene Vidal.
The early days of aviation in America were somehow reserved for men. Women had to take a second seat to their male counterparts. Because of her determination to break into this a new field that presented so many opportunities, Amelia Earhart made an important contribution in the way women invaded that male dominated area. Amelia was above all a feminist that decided to go against conventions of the times in which she lived.
She married New York publisher George Putnam, a union that on the surface appeared to have been made in heaven. Yet, Amelia saw something in Gene Vidal, the founder of the now defunct Eastern Airlines, Trans World Airlines and Northwest Airlines. He was quite an influence in her determination to go ahead with her dreams. Evidently, as the film points, she was loyal to George, despite of what she might have felt for Vidal.
The last sequence of the film shows her attempt to reach Howland Island, a small island in the Pacific which would have been her next to last port of call in the historic flight around the world. The elements conspired against her and her fellow aviator not to reach their destination. The mystery of what happened to her, has fascinated people for years.
Mira Nair, the director of "Amelia" presents the material written by Ron Bass and Anna Hamilton Phelan, based on two books about Amelia Earhart. Their account of Ms. Earhart shows a determined woman in search of adventure. Her legend looms larger than life. It is a story that has fascinated people ever since her disappearance. Hillary Swank seems to be the perfect actress to play the woman aviator because of the uncanny resemblance between them. Richard Gere is seen as George Putnam and Ewan McGregor plays Gene Vidal.
Keeps you awake (nearly)
neil-47618 November 2009
Warning: Spoilers
Hilary Swank plays Amelia Earhart in an utterly routine biopic. Richard Gere plays George Puttnam, but this doesn't make it any less routine. Ewan McGregor plays Gene Vidal - ditto.
This is all very worthy, and mildly interesting if you don't know Ms Earhart's story (or all the details of it), but I was never invested in the movie because I never really cared about any of the characters. The nearest I got to any emotional involvement was when Puttnam threw a wobbly on finding a poem Amelia had written to Vidal - however, his reaction made me dislike him rather than sympathise with him.
On balance, I didn't feel that I had wasted my time, but I didn't feel I had used it wonderfully well either.
This is all very worthy, and mildly interesting if you don't know Ms Earhart's story (or all the details of it), but I was never invested in the movie because I never really cared about any of the characters. The nearest I got to any emotional involvement was when Puttnam threw a wobbly on finding a poem Amelia had written to Vidal - however, his reaction made me dislike him rather than sympathise with him.
On balance, I didn't feel that I had wasted my time, but I didn't feel I had used it wonderfully well either.
Just a false alarm...
Lejink18 September 2011
A solid, if sometimes stolid biopic of a remarkable woman who probably deserved a slightly stronger treatment than is delivered here.. "Amelia" is beautifully set and features as you would expect some excellent aerial photography but falls down somewhat in the dramatic stakes.
Hilary Swank bears a strong physical resemblance to the title character, but for me doesn't quite convey the passion and drive which inspired Earhart's exploits. The dialogue also is occasionally too florid, particularly between Earhart and her husband, Putnam, played by a too-old Richard Gere giving us some more of that razzle-dazzle, always looking for the main chance. Euan McGregor however seems miscast as the other romantic interest, Gene Vidal, father of writer Gore as the screenplay seems determined to make us realise. Christopher Ecclestone is wasted in his relatively small part as Earhart's last navigator (she didn't die alone) and could conceivably have played the McGregor part to greater benefit.
There is some interesting interpolation of vintage footage of Earhart herself and some neat transitions from black and white to colour to take us into the movie, but mostly the direction is unspectacular and episodic. The obvious comparison here is to Scorcese's "The Aviator", his biopic of Earhart's contemporary Howard Hughes. Yes, Hughes' eventful life gave Scorcese more to work with,but his film really grabbed you by the scruff of the neck and kept you on the edge of your seat, whereas this movie felt more like something you'd watch on the National Geographic channel.
All that said, immediately after watching the film, I was inspired to read up on the aviator's life, but maybe that too is a sign that the movie hadn't quite done its job in encapsulating the life and times of its remarkable subject.
My summary quote, by the way, is from Joni Mitchell's great song "Amelia" on her "Hejira" album.
Hilary Swank bears a strong physical resemblance to the title character, but for me doesn't quite convey the passion and drive which inspired Earhart's exploits. The dialogue also is occasionally too florid, particularly between Earhart and her husband, Putnam, played by a too-old Richard Gere giving us some more of that razzle-dazzle, always looking for the main chance. Euan McGregor however seems miscast as the other romantic interest, Gene Vidal, father of writer Gore as the screenplay seems determined to make us realise. Christopher Ecclestone is wasted in his relatively small part as Earhart's last navigator (she didn't die alone) and could conceivably have played the McGregor part to greater benefit.
There is some interesting interpolation of vintage footage of Earhart herself and some neat transitions from black and white to colour to take us into the movie, but mostly the direction is unspectacular and episodic. The obvious comparison here is to Scorcese's "The Aviator", his biopic of Earhart's contemporary Howard Hughes. Yes, Hughes' eventful life gave Scorcese more to work with,but his film really grabbed you by the scruff of the neck and kept you on the edge of your seat, whereas this movie felt more like something you'd watch on the National Geographic channel.
All that said, immediately after watching the film, I was inspired to read up on the aviator's life, but maybe that too is a sign that the movie hadn't quite done its job in encapsulating the life and times of its remarkable subject.
My summary quote, by the way, is from Joni Mitchell's great song "Amelia" on her "Hejira" album.
Not Homely (dvd)
leplatypus7 July 2011
This movie interested me for two facts: first, it adds to Hilary's filmography. Second, it's about a world tour and as i actually write a similar novel, i was excited to see how she planned hers.
Now, I discovered that this movie also had great assets: Today, we take for granted plane flights but we really don't know their origin. This movie has a great historic and educative value. I never thought it was so perilous to fly during the 1940. Next, the movie is tastefully shot: great sets, costumes, editing and photography. The world seems blend in chrome and shine. It's a good choice to cut the world travel in bits because it adds to the rhythm. Furthermore, the morphing of news footage into the movie is also original. And the ending credits with pictures of the real Amelia are respectful and you can see that Hilary is really a chameleon. She is really convincing when it's about following her dreams and dare her life to live it. It's truth that visions of her travels have been expurgated (as the Madsen part, not even in the credits thus the fifteen minutes of cut scenes added).
All in all, it's a good recommendation. For sure, if you are flight-panic, this movie won't cure your fear!
Now, I discovered that this movie also had great assets: Today, we take for granted plane flights but we really don't know their origin. This movie has a great historic and educative value. I never thought it was so perilous to fly during the 1940. Next, the movie is tastefully shot: great sets, costumes, editing and photography. The world seems blend in chrome and shine. It's a good choice to cut the world travel in bits because it adds to the rhythm. Furthermore, the morphing of news footage into the movie is also original. And the ending credits with pictures of the real Amelia are respectful and you can see that Hilary is really a chameleon. She is really convincing when it's about following her dreams and dare her life to live it. It's truth that visions of her travels have been expurgated (as the Madsen part, not even in the credits thus the fifteen minutes of cut scenes added).
All in all, it's a good recommendation. For sure, if you are flight-panic, this movie won't cure your fear!
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