Wednesday, 26 April 2017

Tribe Called Quest: Review of The Lost City of Z

The Lost City of Z

Director: James Gray

By Alex Watson



Director James Gray takes a step into a different world with The Lost City of Z. Echoing the feel of Werner Herzog's 'Aguirre: The Wrath of God', Gray's take on British explorer Percy Fawcett's ill-fated Amazonian expedition firmly captures the obsession of finding the impossible. The jungle is presented as the ultimate danger and the haunting ambience that surrounds it never ceases to be nervewracking.

Major Percy Fawcett (Charlie Hunnam) is a British soldier seconded to the Royal Geographic Society. Sent to Bolivia on a mapping expedition, Fawcett finds evidence of what he believes to be a lost civilisation. Determined to make himself stand out from his contemporaries, Fawcett makes several trips to the Amazon jungle with running mate Costin (Robert Pattinson). Life and several unfortunate circumstances always seem to get in the way.

The Lost City of Z is at its strongest whenever Fawcett crosses over into the jungle. Gray masterfully builds up the suspense to unbearable levels. Will there be an attack by native tribes who hide in the bushes? Or will any number of wild beasts come calling? Fawcett is presented as a man who is frowned upon by his superiors. His 'unfortunate choice of ancestors' has marked him as tarnished goods despite being a dutiful and accomplished soldier. Chosen to 'referee' a mapping quest between Brazil and Bolivia- this assignment is as much about reclaiming his families honour as it is about advancement. How Fawcett keeps his composure in the jungle is fascinating. When threatened by heat, bugs, tribes and in-fighting between other men, he still commands with authority.

While on land, this picture does occasionally stray from the path. The side plot of Fawcett and his devoted wife Nina (Sienna Miller) feels drastically under-explored. Also, there is an over lengthy diversion into his WW1 service. What Gray does best is showing the burning desire the man had to find what others dismissed. The very notion of there being a civilisation older than our own is mocked and scorned by other RGS members. Each time he ventures back into the jungle, we yearn for him to find what he seeks. However, the lavish green of the Amazon seems to be at odds with him constantly. Each time he comes across a new band of savages or a tribe of cannibals, Percy has only his wits to keep him alive.

Although it is a well-paced movie, you can't help feeling that The Lost City of Z is perhaps longer than it needs to be. James Gray seems determined to flesh out as much story as he can. While there are some fine moments, such as the later scenes with adult son Jack (Tom Holland), you can sense Gray is desperately trying to fill time. As a person, Fawcett is compelling and his bravery such as facing gas attacks in no man's land or ducking for cover from tribal arrows is always astounding. Unfortunately, Gray's script never goes deeper than it needs to and we don't get a full understanding of the man himself. Although his honour is never in question, at points we wish he hadn't taken one final risk.

Charlie Hunnam gives a performance that is very two handed. While in the jungle, his presence is magnificent and he shows the cool head that Fawcett would have needed. Back at home, he doesn't quite convince with the film's more emotionally demanding material. An unlikely choice given his lack of physical resemblance, Hunnam does give us a glimpse of dramatic potential. Sadly the always watchable Sienna Miller is left on sidelines as wife Nina. A pillar of strength to her family, her effect on the movie is only minimal. Robert Pattinson again impresses post-Twilight with solid support as faithful companion Costin.

The Lost City of Z is a picture that goes into the very heart of darkness. Percy Fawcett was a man whose bravery and dedication really marked him out as the last great explorer.

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