Life of Pi is a tour de force of cinematic technique
and Ang Lee is its main star. In this adaption of the popular 2001 best seller
written by Canadian Yann Martel we follow Piscine Molitor Patel, also known as
Pi for his ability to memorise the infinitely long number, as his multi-faith
beliefs are tested against the savagery of the ocean, the grief of losing his
family and the tense standoff with a large, Bengal tiger.
Suraj Sharma does well for a non-actor though
sometimes his lines have an unintended humour possibly from his accent and maybe
there would have more weightiness if he spoke in his natural Hindi, though this
would not contain Martel’s words and would most likely infuriate the book’s
legions of fans. But while he can be funny he can also play the emotion very
well particularly his feeling of guilt towards leaving his family behind and
his developing kinship with Richard Parker; a hugely expressive Bengal tiger.
It is the tiger, Richard Parker, who is the lead
actor in many ways; the stunning visual effects team have created an amazing
creature. Using a real tiger seamlessly with their vibrant FX creation means we can see
Richard Parker’s facial expressions as well as his slender body as it shuffles
in its elegant walk. One moment that stands out is when the boat fills with
water and the expression of fear on Parker’s face is even more animated than
the human lead.
But most
credit must lie with Ang Lee, who has created an exquisitely beautiful film.
Every frame bathed in colourful, fluid imagery almost visual poetry in shots of
a boat floating in the stars, a clear ocean mirroring the vanilla skies above
or a solemn tiger staring into the abyss. Irfan Khan’s performance is utterly absorbing
drawing you into this humble tale of God and faith but in a fresh way. Lee is
the perfect director to use the 3D technology to create a spiritual journey
creating dreamlike sequences where at one point we even enter Richard Parker’s
conscience. Lee has made the most thought provoking film of recent years and it doesn’t
look too bad either.
****
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