By 
FAR FROM THE MADDING CROWD *****
Love is an unexpected contagious force, impossible to resist, impossible to prevent or to control. There’s no explanation for such strong emotion, there’s no way to describe it, only to feel it. Sometimes love is painful and confusing, but its essence and importance are greater than anything, and its natural order is to be experienced by two bodies who collapse into attraction. Think of a furiously seductress Marlene Dietrich and three handsome gentlemen stars disputing for her. Carey Mulligan is astonishing as a young woman who inherent her uncle’s farm, resembling a Dietrich figure, determined to fight for what she’s entitled to, and caught up by the strange feeling of love when three different men comes her way. As the film begins, we learn Gabriel (Matthias Schoenaerts) is fond of her, as he’s denied his proposal. She isn’t ready yet, and a sequence of tumultuous circumstances, such as the death of her uncle and the mysterious loss of his entire herd of sheep will twist their situation, as she becomes his boss, and he must start over from scratch. Their relationship develops as a truthful friendship, as he manages to control his feelings, restraining himself from loving her and instead, becoming her protector. In the meantime, uncertain of what she wants, and experiencing the transformations of her hormones, from a girl into a woman who must lead a wealthy farm, she is willing to flirt with an older rich bachelor (Michael Sheen), sending him a letter and provoking on him a much increased interest on her and her business.
That changes completely, as she’s touched for the first time by a young soldier (Tom Sturridge) who’s recovering from a broken heart, becoming vulnerable and manipulated. Gabriel watches everything patiently, making sure he’s job is complete and recalling that one day he must leave her. Danish director Thomas Vinterberg’s sensual and glamorous romance is a remarkable cinematic experience that claims its spot at this year’s Oscar race without a doubt. Everything here confirms the film’s excellence and mastery skills, filled with the same vigorous elegance of the 30’s: the incredible cinematography, amazing shots in the darkness (the director belongs to the Dogma 95 aesthetic), sunny and distant landscapes, the precise editing, luxurious set designs and the conduction of the music. But most importantly, the actors score high with compelling roles, each one trying to justify their situation and the feelings they carry inside as they move forward to settle in life. The Academy still have a busy year to go but they mustn’t forget such a marvelous and prestigious work, neither Mulligan’s impressive and outstanding performance. Enchanting and unforgettable, just like first love!
Comments