Few movies are as visually stimulating to the extent of eliciting emotional responses as The Fall. The visual tapestry that Tarsem Singh weaves through his unique perspectives and genius use of imagery and wardrobe is absolutely astonishing. Wait, I know everyone always talks about how visual a film is….but this film is literally mesmerizing and a feast for the eyes. In short it is stunning!
If we are strictly talking about the visual impact of a film, I would definitely rate this in my top 3 and what is so very, extremely frustrating is that it is unavailable in my region for streaming or to rent. I need to just break down and buy it because it would be well worth the money to have access to it. I am definitely the type of cinephile that can watch the same movies over and over and over and over…lololol I am a firm believer that there are always additional elements to glean from a film no matter how many times you’ve seen it.
This opium for the ocular portal to the soul is set in 1910’s Hollywood as we find the main character confined to a bed due to injuries sustained in his career as a stuntman. He develops an unlikely friendship with a female child patient and entertains her (of course he has ulterior motives) with an outlandish tale of action and love that is represented in the movie by people associated in their reality as they play characters in the story.
Most people are familiar with Tarsem Singh’s other directorial feats in movies such as The Cell staring Jennifer Lopez, Self/less, and Mirror, Mirror. A little known fact was he was also the director for the iconic “Losing My Religion” video by R.E.M. If you have seen this video and his movie The Cell, you will instantly recognize his signature style of cinematography utilized in The Fall. It is iconic and as soon as you watch one of his films, you will be able to recognize his unique style anytime you see it again.
It is not just the framing that makes this film so visually rich but the use of flamboyant costumes and the deep, luscious hues in the set design, wardrobe, and backdrops. The entire movie is a cinematic kaleidoscope of colors and textures and it adds so much to the depth of the story and gives an entertaining story the heart and soul of emotions through the use of intense imagery.
As you can tell, I adore this film and highly recommend it. There are so many of my favorite scenes within this movie and I know you will enjoy it just as much as I do…that is if you can get your hands on it to watch in the first place!!!! Thank you so much for taking the time to read my post and remember that I love you all and live your life as a living embodiment of a colorful kaleidoscope!
All That Is Gold Does Not Glitter, Not All Those Who Wander Are Lost -Tolkien
