The Revenant (2015), Alejandro G. Iñárritu's sixth film, is one of the most visually stunning statements ever put to film in cinema history.
With a simple plot of chaos ensuing, and a father's quest for revenge, there is not much to the story, albeit I thought it had some emotionally engaging moments. Rather, it is The Revenant's technical merits that makes it truly unique.
Naturally, DiCaprio's performance is in a class of its own, and what the entire crew endured is impressive, shooting the film only in natural lighting and thus extending production considerably. Rather, it is Iñárritu's expert vision for cinematography and ability to translate this vision to his director of photography which is the driving force in making The Revenant a special piece of cinema. The way in which Iñárritu takes the viewer on an intricate journey through America's nature is breathtakingly beautiful and brutal - this is truly a place a survival, chaos and solitude. The film's depiction of this is not for the faint-hearted with its gruesome violence.
Highly recommended for its cinematic value.
