Film Review: The New World (2005)

Terrence Malick, a director known for his few yet highly anticipated films with lengthy pauses between them, has once again fallen short of expectations with his 2005 historical drama, The New World. Set in early 17th Century North America, the film attempts to chronicle the origin story of the modern American nation through the lens of Captain John Smith, Pocahontas, and the establishment of Jamestown.

The opening scenes depict the arrival of the first group of English settlers in Virginia in 1607, with Captain John Smith (played by Colin Farrell) leading efforts to trade with the native Powhatan tribe for much-needed food supplies for the colony of Jamestown. After being captured by Chief Powhatan (played by August Schellenberg), his life is spared thanks to intervention of his young daughter Pocahontas (played by Q’Orianka Kilcher). During his captivity two of them fall in love. Smith is ultimately released and returns to Jamestown, where he would see Pocahontas again, this time herself as a captive. Smith decides to leave colony to pursue other ventures, leaving Pocahontas heartbroken. She is baptised, adopts English way of life and meets John Rolfe, another colonist who would marry her. She and her young soon arrive in England, where she would be cause much interest and be introduced to royal court.

Visually, The New World is undeniably stunning, with cinematographer Emanuel Lubezki and composer James Horner capturing the vanished world with great skill. The use of authentic locations and Malick's love for nature create a mesmerising experience for viewers. However, these visual triumphs are undermined by the film's inability to weave them into a coherent narrative.

The editing is poor, and Malick often relies on voice-overs to provide context, which only serves to confuse rather than elucidate. This narration is poorly written, making it difficult for audiences to engage with the story.

Despite these shortcomings, the cast delivers strong performances, particularly Q'orianka Kilcher, 14-year old actress of Peruvian origin, as Pocahontas, who shines in a demanding role.
Her portrayal of Pocahontas is remarkable, taking the character from an innocent free-spirited child of nature to a corseted woman in heavily regimented European society, while experiencing heartbreak along the way. She has good chemistry with both Colin Farrell and Christian Bale, making their characters' relationships believable.

Malick's revisionist take on America's founding myth presents an interesting perspective, although predictably in line with canons of “political correctness”, portraying the native tribes as being in harmony with nature and the colonists as greedy, violent, and destructive. However, this message is muddled by Malick's narrative style, resulting in a film that disappoints those expecting an epic melodrama worthy of this story's rich history.

RATING: 5/10 (++)

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