"City of God" director, Fernando Meirelles, does NOT disappoint with his film translation of the John Le Carré novel "The Constant Gardener." His treatment of the violence is on par with "COG." Subtly shown, emotionally felt, yet not glorified. In comparing the slums I've personally seen in South America, I'm drawn to the Kenyan slums on film, because of the way Fernando renders them. Yes, they are terrible, but you really don't want to look away.
Unfortunately, I have not read the novel; therefore I cannot draw conclusions (this situation will be remedied next week).
Major kudos to Ralph Fiennes for choosing Fernando Meirelles as director and to Richard McCabe, Pete Postlethwaite, Rachel Weisz, Bill Nighy, Hubert Koundé, Gerard McSorley for a job well done they're a fabulous cast. "The Constant Gardener" is a visually alive, emotionally moving film, not as ferocious as "City of God" but thought-provoking nonetheless.
Personally, I found Mr. Meirelles focused, curious, not at all jaded & cynical, down-to-earth, warm and compassionate. He conducted a Q&A after the screening of "The Constant Gardener" in Washington, DC last night. At the post-screening reception, Mr. Meirelles graciously made himself accessible to all attendees. I hope the lovely people of Venice accept "The Constant Gardener" to their festival!!
Mr. Meirelles is currently making a new movie that, through the effects of globalization, unites 5 different stories of people, spanning a myriad of cultures in Brazil, China, Kenya, NYC and the desert. Best of Luck!
Unfortunately, I have not read the novel; therefore I cannot draw conclusions (this situation will be remedied next week).
Major kudos to Ralph Fiennes for choosing Fernando Meirelles as director and to Richard McCabe, Pete Postlethwaite, Rachel Weisz, Bill Nighy, Hubert Koundé, Gerard McSorley for a job well done they're a fabulous cast. "The Constant Gardener" is a visually alive, emotionally moving film, not as ferocious as "City of God" but thought-provoking nonetheless.
Personally, I found Mr. Meirelles focused, curious, not at all jaded & cynical, down-to-earth, warm and compassionate. He conducted a Q&A after the screening of "The Constant Gardener" in Washington, DC last night. At the post-screening reception, Mr. Meirelles graciously made himself accessible to all attendees. I hope the lovely people of Venice accept "The Constant Gardener" to their festival!!
Mr. Meirelles is currently making a new movie that, through the effects of globalization, unites 5 different stories of people, spanning a myriad of cultures in Brazil, China, Kenya, NYC and the desert. Best of Luck!