Devastating...
Oscar season
inevitably brings us films of varied greatness.
We have the epic, larger than life films such as
"The Aviator" and the smaller, intelligent
biopic films such as "Kinsey" or "Finding
Neverland." We have the gritty human dramas such
as "Million Dollar Baby" and even "Closer."
Then, we have smaller independent films with
much critical acclaim clinging to a faint hope
for nomination such as "Garden State." Then,
there are the "must-see" films...the films that
bring such a vital message, such vital
performances and such vital humanity to the
screen that any true fan of cinema will find
themselves kneeling on the floor and thanking
the Gods that this film has been made.
"Hotel Rwanda" is such a film. Based upon the
true story of Paul Rusesabagina, "Hotel Rwanda"
is a "must see" film that will leave many of you
as it left me...shaking, tearful and staring at
the screen...angry at a world that can be so
immersed in separation and hatred that not only
can such horrific violence exist as did during
the Rwandan crisis of the early 90s, but this
separation and hatred and racism can be so
powerful that the rest of the world can stand by
and do nothing...literally nothing as nearly one
million humans were massacred in one of the most
powerful examples of ethnic cleansing this
planet has seen. Yet, it will also leave you in
awe of the courage of this man, Paul
Rusesabagina, in protecting over 1,200
individuals during this time as he struggled to
balance professional responsibilities, family
duties and an inner call to a people in need.
This film could easily beg for comparison to a
film such as "Schindler's List", however, as
wondrous as "Schindler's List" is this film
offers, for me, a more complete and satisfying
look at universal tragedy and the small pieces
of humanity within it.
Director Terry George would have likely failed
miserably had he chosen to make a film based
upon the Rwandan genocide of nearly 1,000,000
Tutsi's. The sheer scope and intensity of the
tragedy would have made for a nearly impossible
screenplay that would have, inevitably, dwelled
upon immense violence and tragedy and hatred.
Instead of attempting to encompass the entire
scope of the Rwandan experience, George's film
wisely focuses on one hero within the
tragedy...one man who stood up to it and made
different choices for the good of all.
Rusesabagina is played with understated
power,focus and stunning clarity by Don Cheadle
in what is, without a doubt, the performance of
his lifetime. Throughout the award season I have
been a loud and active advocate for Paul
Giamatti's performance in Sideways", however,
let me state this without hesitation and without
any doubt. Don Cheadle absolutely, 100% deserves
the Oscar for Best Actor. Having seen nearly 80
films during 2004, I have not seen a performance
come close to this intensity and tenderness and
complexity and power. Cheadle, quite simply,
nails every aspect of this character in a
performance that leaves me shaking my head
thinking to myself "How did he do that?"
Giamatti's performance was magnificent, but
Cheadle's performance leaves me speechless.
As his wife, Sophie Okonedo, begs to be
considered as a Best Supporting Actress. Knowing
that her husband, a Hutu, is safe from the
genocide, Okonedo's performance as Tatiana, a
Tutsi, is nothing short of wondrous. As mother
and wife and sister and friend, Okonedo's
Tatiana is a woman of fierce determination,
uncommon loyalty and remarkable strength.
Along with these leading performances, Terry
George offers us tremendous production design,
excellent pacing, awesome cinematography and a
remarkable score. Once again, it is important
that this film never resorts to trying to "sell
the drama" through intense violence or special
effects...George trusts this material implicitly
and wisely uses smoke and fog and distance shots
quite often in creating scenes that are violent
without becoming histrionic and overwhelming.
Likewise, George offers brilliant timing in
giving the audience moments of levity...human
moments of tenderness between Paul and
Tatiana...human moments between Paul and the
various military players...small, intimate
moments between family members that remind us so
deeply and powerfully of the humanity within
this immense tragedy. These little moments are
interspersed throughout the film and are timed
perfectly. The film is constantly moving and
emotional and life-changing but never feels
completely overwhelming to the point of
alienating the audience.
George, who also co-wrotes this script, has
written such films as "The Boxer" and "In the
Name of the Father." George reportedly
envisioned Cheadle for this role from day one,
despite investor's desires for the likes of
Denzel, Snipes or even Mekhi Phifer. I cringe at
the thought of either of these three actors in
this role...perhaps there is an argument that it
would have made more money, but Cheadle clearly
owns this role and creates a film that demands
attention. Denzel, perhaps, would have given a
solid performance here BUT Cheadle is simply
masterful beyond anything Washington could have
offered.
The film narrowly misses perfection because of a
couple minor flaws, and I unfortunately must
blame George for both of these decisions. First,
as UN Peacekeeper Col. Oliver, Nick Nolte is
woefully miscast and basically offers a phone-in
performance that pales in comparison to Cheadle.
When he shares the screen with Cheadle, Nolte is
clearly outshined and offering a surface
performance in what is, gratefully, a fairly
brief performance. On the other hand, while his
onscreen time is brief, Joaquin Phoenix again
shows a tremendous ability to take a small role
and turn it into brilliance...here offering a
reporter who is trying to show the truth even
though nobody is really paying attention. The
film also offers an appearance by Jean Reno in
an uncredited performance.
My other small concern here is with the
underdeveloped roles of Nolte and
Phoenix...these characters were, without a
doubt, essential to the dramatic cornerstone of
this story yet I never felt anything when they
were onscreen. This was particularly bothersome
for Nolte, however, there's a goodbye scene for
Phoenix's character that feels a touch out of
place...I hadn't seen anything truly develop for
this character so to have this sudden, intense
goodbye seemed a surprise. It still worked, but
even a couple more minutes of exposition would
have helped tremendously.
These are, however, minor quibbles for a film
that will instantly enter my Top 100. "Hotel
Rwanda" is a film that I consider a must-see
this award season...it is a film that cries out
for recognition and honor and, yes, box office
rewards. It is a film that makes me want to run
up to Terry George and scream "thank you...thank
you...thank you" for having the courage, energy
and focus to bring this story to life and for
having the guts to seek independent financing so
you could cast YOUR choice of Don Cheadle.
"Garden State" remains my favorite film of 2004,
however, "Hotel Rwanda" has become my pick as
the winner of the Oscar for "Best Picture."
"Hotel Rwanda" will not only change your
life...it will make you grateful for it.
© Written by
Richard Propes
TC Candler's Comment
Brilliant.
Powerful. Devastating. Shocking.
Sad. Uplifting. You name your
superlative... this film fits the bill.
The only thing that stops this from getting four
stars is that it drags a little in its middle
act. Other than that... this is a must see
gem with an Oscar worthy turn from the vastly
underrated Don Cheadle.
Jacob
Hall's Comment
N/A
