‘I thought I was dead…’
I recently watched Dead Poet’s Society for the first time (incredible, I know) and I got all excited, as is my want, and started working backwards through Australian director Peter Weir’s filmography assuming that his previous films would be as good as Dead Poet’s Society. Alas, so far, they aren’t. I found the Harrison Ford vehicle Witness to be disappointing, and while I enjoyed Fearless more, it still probably isn’t worth seeking out…
When Max Klein (Jeff Bridges) survives a plane crash, he finds himself with a new outlook on life. An outlook that is equal parts exciting and dangerous. This new lease on life leads to a close relationship with fellow survivor Carla (Rosie Perez), much to the chagrin of Max’s wife Laura (Isabella Rossellini).
Let’s begin with the positives. All of the plane crash sequences, both the crash itself and the aftermath, are beautifully filmed by Weir, and provide the film’s most memorable moments. It is also thrilling to see Bridges interact with supporting cast members John Turturro and Benicio Del Toro – playing a therapist, and Carla’s husband respectively. Had the film focussed on these three it could have been something really special. Alas, the third act pivots to Max’s relationship with Carla, and it is here where the film falters. I’ve never been much of a Rosie Perez fan, and she does nothing here to dispel that. Bridges is wonderful throughout, as he so often is, but it isn’t enough to stop Fearless from feeling too meandering and shapeless to really hit the emotional heights it is aiming for.
Fearless is an easy watch and an interesting concept, but it’s hard to shake the feeling that there is a better movie under the surface somewhere.