|
|||||||
|
|
|
|||||
|
|
|||||||
|
|
|
|
INVICTUS |
  |
|
In 1985, Nelson Mandela, then in prison for twenty-three years,
set about winning over the fiercest proponents of apartheid, from his jailers to the head of
South Africa’s military. First he earned his freedom and then he won the presidency in the
nation's first free election in 1994. But the country was still deeply divided by more than 50 years of
apartheid and Mandela knew that he needed to somehow unify the nation... if only for short time...
to help to ease the pain of segregation. Author John Carlin wrote about this quest in his
book Playing the Enemy: Nelson Mandela and the Game That Made a Nation. Oscar winning
director par excellence Clint Eastwood grabbed that script and created the film "Invictus". It should be noted that this is the same Eastwood that
fellow director par excellence Spike Lee accused of being racist after the release of "Flags
of Our Fathers". Boy will Spike face be red is Clint wins another Oscar directing a film about
one of the most charismatic figures in Black history. |
|
|
|
|
|
The odds are very good when you consider he cast his buddy and fellow
Oscar winner Morgan Freeman as Nelson Mandela. The last time they collaborated was when Morgan
won for "Million Dollar Baby". They work well together. It should be noted first that Morgan Freeman is outstanding as Nelson Mandela. It is a role
which he admits he has prepared for years to perform; going so far as to become friends with Mandela! "Invictus" begins with the release of Mandela from prison. We see the drastic differences between the lives
of Afrikaners and those of black South Africans. The most tell was the difference between the practice field of
Springbok Rugby team - the national team - and the soccer field of the black across the street. Lush green versus dirt. |
|
|
|
|
| There is equal amount of distaste between both black South Africans and the whites. The wedge becomes deeper after Mandela wins the first
election in which blacks are allowed to vote. That mistrust goes all the way to the capital where we see the whites clearing out their offices assuming they are fired. But Mandela's first act as president is not to fired them but to invite them to stay on board and work. This was much to the
dismay of his loyal black allies. The film then shifts to the rugby field again. Upon visiting a game between Springbok and
England, Mandela notices the social divide. The Black South Africans cheer the Brits while the whites cheer the national team. The Blacks disdain Springbok save for the one black named Chester. This isn't good because
South Africa is slated to host the World Cup of Rugby. Mandela summons Springbok's captain, Francois Pienaar (Matt Damon, for tea at the capital.
Francois is from a typical separatist white family with a black maid whom they keep somewhat in check. They father is especially skeptical but seemingly open. |
|
|
|
|
| During the tea, Mandela challenges Francois to win the World Cup in an off-beat sort of way. Francois knows full well the
odds are slim as the team just got slaughtered by England and England was not even the best. "Invictus" now takes a turn from being a socio-political film to being a sports movie. As such, it will make
the millions who enjoy rugby very happy. For the rest it will be difficult to get involved. "Invictus" is, as we have come to expect from Eastwood, an extremely well produced, well directed and well acted film. Like most of his movies it is technically near-perfect.
His cinematography captures South Africa - the good and the bad. It is not heavy handed as a political commentary. But it is not his best work. As a sports movie, it didn't movie as well
as let's say "Blindsided". I found that Matt Damon was a bit too far in the background when this is a film about the relationship these two gentlemen formed. Morgan Freeman will, no doubt be considered for and may win many of the awards in the upcoming season. The music - written by Kyle Eastwood may also be considered. Globally millions will love the film and the topic of
rugby. Yet it is not the brilliant piece I was expecting. nevertheless, it is still one of the ten best films this year; just not the best! --GEOFFREY BURTON
|
|
