This is a film I have been looking forward to with great interest and anticipation. Anyone that saw CINEMA PARADISO, at least the people I've met, fell completely and totally in love with the film. Now this isn't the same story or even that type of story... but how could anyone not be curious about his latest film? Here's the Vorpal Bunny's look at it....
I just saw a wonderful film Thursday night called The Legend of 1900. I had no idea what this film was about going into it. All I knew was it was written and directed by the man who brought us the wonderful Cinema Paradiso. I hoped to see a film of its caliber, and I did.
The story is a fable, of a man born in the year 1900 and raised on The Virginian, an ocean liner journeying from Europe to New York and back again at the beginning of the century. Raised by one of the ship's stokers, 1900 (the child's name) is raised in the heart of the ship, never setting foot onto dry land. Soon, his father dies, and 1900 is adopted by the crew. One day, he wanders into a party on the first class deck, and becomes enraptured by the piano. He goes on to become an amazing piano player, even receiving challenges from 'Jelly Roll' Morton, the grandfather of Jazz.
The story is told through his friend Max, a fellow jazz lover and musician, played wonderfully by Pruitt Taylor Vance. He is the emotional center of the film, relating his friend's eccentricities with fondness and love. In every scene between Max and 1900, their friendship develops further, and their final scene together is powerful and compelling.
It became clear, however, the actors and the director didn't speak the same language. The entire crew was Italian, and this was the director's first venture into English speaking territory. The American and British actors had to speak to the director through an interpreter, and it came through in several performances. There is something to be said for one-on-one conversations between director and actor, and I felt something was missing from a few minor roles. The two leads more than took up the slack, however.
There are a few amazing sequences that will stand out in movie history. These may be seen as spoilers, but I have to talk about them. There is one sequence where Max stumbles out of his cabin on his first night at sea. The rolling ship tosses him into the main ballroom, where 1900 finds him. While Max pitches and rolls as the ship does across the sea, 1900 walks perfectly straight, showing how used to and attuned to the sea he is. 1900 then sits at the piano, and asks Max to unhook the locks on the wheels of the piano. Max does, and the piano begins to roll around the room. Max hangs on for dear life, as 1900 begins to play a tune. The piano swings, sways, and dances around the room. The whole sequence, with the swinging chandelier and beautiful camera movements, is truly amazing.
In another scene, 1900 is challenged by 'Jelly Roll' Morton to a piano duel. They way Tim Roth handles the scene, and the passion and conviction he puts into his character is so engrossing, I am tempted to say he deserves an Academy Award nomination. The honesty and conviction you can see in his eyes makes the fable come to life, and allows you to grow and learn with him, and feel the passion for life and music he feels.
I am able to forgive a few Hollywood moments in this film, because it more than makes up for it in its several truly original scenes. Max and 1900 grow and develop as a friendship so well, by the end I nearly cried. It's an arresting and honest take on life through the eyes of an amazing man and his amazing friend.
If this ever gets released in the United States, I highly recommend you go see it. It is a wonderful film with several unforgettable moments.
Vorpal Bunny
