Top Box Office Movies - Pearl Harbor

Pearl Harbor (2001) Touchstone Pictures
3 hrs. 04 mins.
Starring: Ben Affleck, Josh Hartnett, Kate Beckinsale, Jon Voight and Alec Baldwin
Music by: Hans Zimmer
Directed by: Michael Bay

Pearl Harbor

Rating:

E-MAIL GIANCARLO DE LISI

Photo: Touchstone Pictures

Romance has always been a technique to capture the heart and emotions of the movie-going audience. Yet, when that romance is just one part of a complex and congested screenplay, it slowly becomes meaningless. That is one way to phrase the failed romanticism in Michael Bay's epic undertaking 'Pearl Harbour'. Bay is known for delivering such hard-core hits as 'The Rock' and 'Armageddon', yet with his latest it seems as if Bay is struggling to prove himself to his colleagues as a talented feature film director and not just a 'hard-core' hack director.

Ben Affleck, Josh Hartnett and Kate Beckinsale are the young actors that are the main focus in this love triangle set against the backdrop of one of the World's worst tragedies. 'Pearl Harbour' follows the fictitious tale of two young men who complicate their lives by falling for the same woman. While this triangle takes place, the attack of Pearl Harbour is quietly being planned from the Japanese, which results in one of the most brutal and cold-hearted, attacks ever.

The attacks are incredibly well done and encompass the audience in a dizzying array of explosions and swooping planes. Yet, where the film lacks is in the plagiaristic voyeurism of Bay's visuals directly lifted from the likes of Spielberg (Saving Private Ryan) and James Cameron (Titanic). From the grainy film quality in the battle sequences, to the epic sized frames of the sinking boats, it is clear this film borrows many previously used techniques glorified in other classics.

There is no doubt that Bay wanted this to be his Titanic. He wanted this to be a landmark film in which many will remember him by, but unfortunately, he has failed at the hands of his own ambition. The film's many intertwining plots and its' characters development are simply too massive and vague to be properly delivered in an entertaining way in three hours. Plot is the first problem as this film tries to be as in many places as it can and ultimately results being nowhere.

Bay likes to fill his frames with lots to look at and makes it seem almost claustrophic in the theatre as he constantly uses many close up-shots on his great-looking cast. . Furthermore, it can be easily seen that the film has a hard time segueing into its' many storylines seamlessly. Bay struggles with the many emotional plotlines and does not succeed in putting together one cohesive storyline. The drama is laid on thick as soldiers fear for their lives due to an over-head attack, and the action is intense as planes bomb enemy territory. As for the romance - it is almost laughable as almost every pick-up line possible is mentioned in this film. Did I forget to mention that this is one of the most patriotic films to come along since 'Independence Day'?

The last hour is entirely dedicated at seeing the Americans avenge their unexpected bombing of Pearl Harbour. Allow me to explain: The film is conveniently dissected into three acts, respectively therefore one hour apiece. The first act is devoted to developing the romantic queries of our notable poster-boys as well as being accustomed to all their friends who will face inevitable death due to the forthcoming attack. The second hour is devoted to the titular attack that contains some groundbreaking special effects and some great aerial sequences. While in the last hour we have the privilege of witnessing the Americans avenging the attack with another attack on Tokyo. A simple story with a massive plot becomes negatively affected when an overwhelming amount of characters seem to have more interesting stories to tell than our main stars. For example, Dan Akroyd plays a Navy Officer who seemed to have foretold the attack but who harmfully gets cast aside due to his premonitions. Also along for the ride is Cuba Gooding Jr. as a cook in the fleet ships who also gets passed for promotion due to his color.

All the marketing in the world cannot save this film from its failed glory. Understand though that by far this is not a bad film, nor a great film. Let us just say that we have come to expect much more from the team of Director Michael Bay and Producer Jerry Bruckheimer. We have a right to be disappointed when they deliver a recycled, formulaic and dishonest tale of love, morality and bravery. It is only normal to have mixed emotions based on what was delivered. It seemed as if they were tinkering with our emotions and telling us when to cheer for the Americans, when to cry for the lost souls and when to sit at the edge of our seats. Yet, what they did not expect is that many moviegoers are not fools. Therefore instead of true patriotism and utter fondness of the film, many moviegoers will question the honesty of the film and its overall enjoyment.

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Giancarlo De Lisi
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