The Four Feathers (2002)
I’ve seen three versions of The Four Feathers, and the 2002 movie is by far my least favorite. The classic story of a man who shirks his war duty only to be shamed by his friends and jilted by his fiancé stars the millennium’s newest heartthrob, Heath Ledger. But since it’s the seventh remake, it doesn’t hold the novelty factor of the story. It’s not the first version in Technicolor or sound, nor does it wow audiences with incredible scenery or battle sequences. The audience doesn’t get attached to the characters, so what else is there?
Unfortunately, not much. The opening premise is both dragged out and rushed, with much time spent on Heath Ledger’s happy relationship with Kate Hudson but little time spent on the reason for the title. In fact, when he does leave his regiment the night before they’re to leave for battle, the explanation of his friends’ point of view (Michael Sheen, Rupert Penry-Jones, and Kris Marshall) is so convincing, it’s as if the movie wants you to root against him. You completely understand why they feel betrayed and believe him to be a coward. Heath’s endless time training in the desert with Djimon Hounsou feels more of a self-centered stubbornness rather than a retribution. And why was Wes Bentley cast as Jack, the character you’re supposed to feel the most sympathy towards? He always plays the weird bad guy, not the guy your heart favors.
My advice is to stick with Beau Bridges in 1978. His version is the best; it’s impressive, well-acted, and tells the story properly. Plus, it’s Beau Bridges. He makes things just a little bit better, doesn’t he?
DLM Warning: If you suffer from vertigo or dizzy spells, like my mom does, this movie might not be your friend. There’s handheld camera during the opening rugby game, lots of camera swirls during the beginning ball, and after Heath Ledger gets his four feathers, the camera turns completely upside down as he walks down a hallway, and that will make you sick. In other words, “Don’t Look, Mom!”
More Heath Ledger movies here!
Unfortunately, not much. The opening premise is both dragged out and rushed, with much time spent on Heath Ledger’s happy relationship with Kate Hudson but little time spent on the reason for the title. In fact, when he does leave his regiment the night before they’re to leave for battle, the explanation of his friends’ point of view (Michael Sheen, Rupert Penry-Jones, and Kris Marshall) is so convincing, it’s as if the movie wants you to root against him. You completely understand why they feel betrayed and believe him to be a coward. Heath’s endless time training in the desert with Djimon Hounsou feels more of a self-centered stubbornness rather than a retribution. And why was Wes Bentley cast as Jack, the character you’re supposed to feel the most sympathy towards? He always plays the weird bad guy, not the guy your heart favors.
My advice is to stick with Beau Bridges in 1978. His version is the best; it’s impressive, well-acted, and tells the story properly. Plus, it’s Beau Bridges. He makes things just a little bit better, doesn’t he?
DLM Warning: If you suffer from vertigo or dizzy spells, like my mom does, this movie might not be your friend. There’s handheld camera during the opening rugby game, lots of camera swirls during the beginning ball, and after Heath Ledger gets his four feathers, the camera turns completely upside down as he walks down a hallway, and that will make you sick. In other words, “Don’t Look, Mom!”
More Heath Ledger movies here!