No happy ending. That’s my lingering thought about Cold Mountain, which we saw eight days ago. I write that happily. I thought the movie was solid, and worth seeing in theaters, even if I hadn’t had free babysitting! I just didn’t want a sad tale to be misconstrued. This story, when read, leaves the reader both eager to turn the pages and dreading the moment when things finally, inevitably, go wrong. The director teases with the film… you almost think he ‘sold out’ for a happy ending. But the tale rings true to its tragic roots.
I read the Charles Frazier novel several years ago, so as I watched the movie, I had a basic sense of the plot and a strong sense of the mood. The details were hazy in my mind, so I don’t have a strong sense of the movie’s fidelity to Frazier’s tale — but I’m not sure it matters since the feeling was spot on.
In retrospect, this movie followed The English Patient in its ability to conjure a mood, and carry it through consistently. I didn’t enjoy Cold Mountain (the movie) as much I as enjoyed The English Patient (the movie); the latter is one of my favorites, and we own the DVD. But both movies did a terrific job of evoking the mood of the books. Note: for reading, I preferred Cold Mountain.
I just checked the website, and realized that the same man, Anthony Minghella, directed both movies. I didn’t know that when I wrote the above paragraph. So I feel redeemed and foolish at the same time.
Two contrary points. I’ve rarely seen a movie so graphic/realistic in its presentation of blood, mud, wounds, and the like. Even the quick ‘brothel’ sex scene is almost animal-like, more carnal and impersonal than anything I’ve seen on screen — although given the context (wartime carpe diem, where the sex is but a lure, it seemed appropriate. Yet, at the same time as the film assaults you with this viscousness, Nicole Kidman’s hands and face are rarely dirty. She endures predictable rigors moving from society daughter to (effectively) a farm hand. But the realism of the movie’s opening Civil War battle scene doesn’t extend to the ravages of wartime life on a beautiful young woman. Oh well.
One more thing: rumor from a friend who was involved with the making of the movie, in Romania (the closest to the Civil War south to be found, apparently), is that Jude Law, our male hero, isn’t the sharpest tool in the shed, despite being a “pretty thing.” Can’t win them all! 😉