‘The Fall’ 4K Restoration Is Simply Gorgeous [Fantastic Fest 2024 Review]
In 1920s Los Angeles, a bedridden man in a hospital tells a young girl a fantastic tale filled with heroes and villains. His story quickly morphs into her story as they become each other’s lifeline. It also transports them to a world outside of the confines of the hospital’s four walls. The epic adventure is filled with heart, humor, and breathtaking visuals that stay with you long after the credits roll. However, The Fall is not nearly as celebrated as it should be. This beautiful movie mostly gained popularity via word of mouth. It is one of the few films many of us had given up hope of ever seeing on a streamer. I have not even been able to catch it on VOD these last five years.
What could have easily been written off as a richer and more modern version of The Princess Bride is a heartwarming and inspiring story told in front of the most gorgeous locations captured on film. The Fall is an unmatched feat in visual storytelling. The film transports you into a decadent world created to win over a small child. I try to avoid hyperbole. So, I mean it when I tell you that I believe every frame belongs in The Museum of Modern Art. This film was painstakingly assembled by people who excel at their craft, artists unafraid to push cinema to the very limits of the art form.
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Tarsem Singh debuted his labor of love at TIFF in 2006. In 2008, it finally hit theaters and slowly picked up steam as the rest of the world began discovering it. I randomly caught this movie on a premium cable channel back when Lee Pace became our favorite pie maker on Pushing Daisies. Soon, I realized that my little crush had led me to a major cinematic marvel. I did not fully understand mise-en-scène, cinematography, or how wild it was that Singh filmed all of this epic tale on location as a tween. However, I knew I was seeing art that transcended the boundaries of film. I still hope the designers, crew, and cinematographer receive retroactive awards for bringing this gorgeous world to life.
Over the years, The Fall has achieved a weird cult status. That’s why physical copies are priced at $200-$300, making it impossible for many fans to own. So, tons of us were happy to hear it would be getting a 4K rerelease because it meant we might be able to afford to take it home. However, I never dreamed it would lead to me getting to see the North American Premiere of the 4K Restoration on a big screen at Fantastic Fest. Even after all this time, it’s still the most stunning film I’ve ever seen.
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The 4K treatment looks good on it and adds an extra cherry on top of a very decadent dessert. The restoration also comes with a few added scenes and a new character—a priest with a unique look, who made me search my memory bank before realizing these were moments from the cutting room floor. If you love The Fall half as much as I do, you’ll enjoy these new fleeting minutes, too.
The Fall was written by Dan Gilroy, Nico Soultanakis, and Tarsem Singh. While it’s easy to become lost in the technical prowess of the film, it also has a story that hits you right in the feelings. Roy (Lee Pace) and Alexandria (Catinca Untaru) win us over immediately. The heart and humor that these two provide are the engine that keeps this fantastical train moving.
The way this transactional relationship becomes so much more for both of them and saves Roy’s life on multiple occasions is written in a way that even the most cynical person will have a hard time not investing in their relationship. While all the actors are just as perfect as the world in which they perform, Pace and Untaru are effortlessly natural in their roles. They manage to stick the landing with every beat change, both in their world and in the world of the fairytale. I have been an avid fan of Pace’s from Pushing Daisies to Bodies Bodies Bodies. So, I am very aware of how he churns out award-caliber performances as easily as most of us breathe. However, this is one of my favorite roles I have seen him in. The Fall allows him to play with the full acting palette.
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I also love that this was Untaru’s first feature film, and she brought so much personality and vulnerability to the role. Singh let her be a kid and even filmed hospital scenes in order, allowing her to showcase what a talent she was born with. We follow her through this magically tragic world so we see the movie from a child’s point of view. This is partly why every death lands so hard and every betrayal leaves an emotional scar. It also gives an extra boost of wonder and delight as Alexandria imagines this story using people in the hospital as characters.
While revisiting The Fall this time, I noticed the themes hit harder as an adult. Sure, I clocked nods to stunt performers, immigration, and classism as a teen. However, I don’t think I truly understood the full weight of these issues until now. Maybe it’s because it’s almost 20 years later, and not much has changed for the better on any of these fronts. I also doubt I’ll ever see these threads woven together in such a fantastic tapestry again. I urge you to check out The Fall if you get the chance. Or revisit it if you have also been unable to rewatch it in over a decade. It is one of the few films aging like a fine wine and might rekindle your love of film. If nothing else, The Fall is a great escape as we continue living a life of unprecedented times.
The Fall 4K restoration is now available on Mubi.
If you are also basically a stan account for The Fall find me at @misssharai. Then we can cry over how beautiful it is together.
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The Fall
Summary
The Fall is an unmatched feat in visual storytelling.
Categorized:Reviews
