Black Death (B- or 2.5/4 stars)
'Black Death' (directed by Christopher Smith) opens in the year 1348. Europe has fallen prey to the Black Death; better known as the 1st outbreak of the Bubonic Plague. As it destroys everyone in its path, fear & suspicion are everywhere, as well. The Catholic Church is losing its grip. There are rumors of a town - hidden in marshlands - where the Black Death simply cannot reach. Untouched. And they apparently harbor a necromancer (someone who can raise the spirit of the dead), as well. Said necromancer is believed to be the leader of this village; and he/she is the source of interest for a novice monk, Osmund (Tony-award winning Eddie Redmayne), who goes looking for a loved one who is missing and may be dead.
Ulric (Sean Bean, master of these sword & sorcery type of films, i.e., The Lord of the Rings, Troy), a fearsome medieval knight, is charged by the Catholic Church to investigate these necromancy rumors. He persuades & enlists the guidance of Osmund to lead him and his team of mercenary soldiers to said marshland where this secret village nestles. Their journey to the village & events that unfold take them into the heart of darkness (so to speak) as they find a high priestess (Carice van Houten, of Black Book) in charge of the village. Is she the necromancer? Why is this village untouched by the Black Death? Will Osmund find his loved one with these suspicious people? Unfortunately, what Ulric & Osmund find there will put their courage & faith in to God the ultimate test.
What can I say about 'Black Death'? Well, I can say that I appreciate it's themes of religion (it's believed that the Plague was sent by God to punish people for their sins). Christopher Smith puts us on the side of the Christians, then to the Pagans, then makes us question ourselves; seeing both sides as pious or non-pious murderers, really. I like that ambiguity. Either way, it doesn't paint a great picture of God. The grainy cinematography, murky sets, dingy costumes, & plague-ridden make-up work are competently done. There are no real 'scares', but a decently conveyed atmosphere (of doom & gloom). The blood, guts, & action are very well done. Effective; because I kept wincing & turning away at critical moments. That's when you know the action/horror/gore is working.
The performances are pretty solid. No one is bad; though, no one stands out. I suspect that these actors wanted to pay respect to the material & give authentic portrayals. But no one hams it up, here. I don't want overacting, but I DO want characters to care about, invest in & remember. These actors convince us that it's medieval England, but they go through the motions a bit, as well. In fact, the whole film is a bit too literal-minded & serious. Serious, to a fault. There aren't too many sequences or characters to recall.
There are a handful of humorous moments; muttered by a handful of stock supporting characters. But overall, the film goes about its business as if its brow were constantly furrowed. I have an affinity for any film that tackles medieval times, plagues, heretics, Christians, Pagans, piety, mercenary soldiers, witches, raising-of-the-dead ... love that stuff. But I can't help but think that this perfectly fine film could have been great if only it were better at handling its many inherently intriguing components. As an entertaining piece of art ... doesn't sing. But at least the movie wasn't mindless. There was intent, amid the mediocrity.
Ulric (Sean Bean, master of these sword & sorcery type of films, i.e., The Lord of the Rings, Troy), a fearsome medieval knight, is charged by the Catholic Church to investigate these necromancy rumors. He persuades & enlists the guidance of Osmund to lead him and his team of mercenary soldiers to said marshland where this secret village nestles. Their journey to the village & events that unfold take them into the heart of darkness (so to speak) as they find a high priestess (Carice van Houten, of Black Book) in charge of the village. Is she the necromancer? Why is this village untouched by the Black Death? Will Osmund find his loved one with these suspicious people? Unfortunately, what Ulric & Osmund find there will put their courage & faith in to God the ultimate test.
What can I say about 'Black Death'? Well, I can say that I appreciate it's themes of religion (it's believed that the Plague was sent by God to punish people for their sins). Christopher Smith puts us on the side of the Christians, then to the Pagans, then makes us question ourselves; seeing both sides as pious or non-pious murderers, really. I like that ambiguity. Either way, it doesn't paint a great picture of God. The grainy cinematography, murky sets, dingy costumes, & plague-ridden make-up work are competently done. There are no real 'scares', but a decently conveyed atmosphere (of doom & gloom). The blood, guts, & action are very well done. Effective; because I kept wincing & turning away at critical moments. That's when you know the action/horror/gore is working.
The performances are pretty solid. No one is bad; though, no one stands out. I suspect that these actors wanted to pay respect to the material & give authentic portrayals. But no one hams it up, here. I don't want overacting, but I DO want characters to care about, invest in & remember. These actors convince us that it's medieval England, but they go through the motions a bit, as well. In fact, the whole film is a bit too literal-minded & serious. Serious, to a fault. There aren't too many sequences or characters to recall.
There are a handful of humorous moments; muttered by a handful of stock supporting characters. But overall, the film goes about its business as if its brow were constantly furrowed. I have an affinity for any film that tackles medieval times, plagues, heretics, Christians, Pagans, piety, mercenary soldiers, witches, raising-of-the-dead ... love that stuff. But I can't help but think that this perfectly fine film could have been great if only it were better at handling its many inherently intriguing components. As an entertaining piece of art ... doesn't sing. But at least the movie wasn't mindless. There was intent, amid the mediocrity.