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Valhalla Rising
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Triangle
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Train
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Drag Me to Hell
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Driftwood
Messengers 2

 

Director: Nicolas Winding Refn. Stars: Mads Mikkelsen, Gary Lewis, Jamie Sives, Ewan Stewart. 2009. Denmark/UK. Action/Drama. 89mins.

The mute warrior known only as One Eye escapes from his captors with the help of supernatural strength and a young accomplice named Are. The two find themselves on a journey across barren landscapes and a voyage of self-discovery.

‘Valhalla Rising’ is a beautiful and unique vision. On first hearing about the film I was excited about the concept of director Nicolas Winding Refn (‘Pusher’ and ‘Bronson’) tackling an epic battle film. I knew that the film would be something special. I was not wrong. For anyone who has seen those other films they will know to expect a brutally harsh and realistic vision, but one that is also visually stunning. For those who have not, you are in for a real treat.

The film opens in a very interesting way. There is a small title to set the scene and then we are straight in. The film is bleak and beautiful at the same time. There is very little dialogue or anything to really tell what the situation is or who the characters are. It is left up to our own interpretation and knowledge. Dialogue comes later in the film in the forms of monologues and very small but very well written conversations between characters. These snippets of dialogue give us more of an insight into what the film is really all about. But everything is so subtle and very much worth thinking about.

Quite soon we see the real harshness of the film. Fight scenes are very well choreographed and look and feel extremely brutal. There is no holding back and One Eye just destroys people with such a beautiful simplicity. We are left in awe after these scenes have taken place in front of us. They are dirty and nasty and yet so very necessary. It is so great to see a film like this. Unlike Hollywood films such as ‘300’ and ‘Pathfinder’ this film relies more on a disturbing reality to tell its story. It doesn’t ever go for big bangs or over the top effects. It stays simple and because of that it is a much more exciting and interesting piece of work. There are some CGI blood effects, which do stand out, but they actually look quite interesting more than being rubbish like in some films full of computer blood. The great thing is that the film is full of practical effects too which should please fans, and there are a couple of genuinely squeamish moments to be found.

The film becomes very mystical. There are many images that are shown throughout to suggest a strong sense of religion. Every shot and cut in the film has been strategically placed there for a reason. It is full of such dream like imagery and sequences of a very calm madness. The colours are very muted and contain lots of blue and brown, which give a sense of the stark reality of the locations that the characters are travelling through. It is then quite shocking to see random shots and sequences that are heavy on the colour red. These shots give us a real sense of some impending doom. Throughout the film the atmosphere gets heavier and heavier and we are pulled deeper and deeper into this chaotic and dark life. The scenes are so bold and stand out but then actually bear meaning towards the conclusion.

The character of One Eye is so well created. Mads Mikkelsen has done an impressive job of bringing this character to life. A character that doesn’t talk and is very slow and deliberate in what he does. At times it felt similar to characterisation in ‘Shogun Assassin’. The character is a silent and deadly man, which makes him all the more intriguing and we become so deeply involved in his quest. We can feel how harsh it must have been both for character and actor.

The narrative is played out in several parts, which are all very interesting. It actually helps the film to flow along a bit better and the titles for each part are well thought out and set the scene for the sequence of events to follow. The last part is very cool indeed. The title and the way it is presented just filled me with dread as I began to realise (or think that I did) what was going to happen.

The score and sound design for the film are absolutely amazing. One of my favourite aspects of it all. For a film with very little dialogue, the sound needs to be something special, and here it really is. The breathtaking visuals are more than complimented with the haunting score and stylish sound design.

I think this film really does have something for everyone and should satisfy those looking for action and gore and those looking for something deeper and more thought provoking. The film does a very good job of achieving a level where both compliment each other. It is definitely worth watching and is a film that will probably evoke a lot of discussion too. I think several viewings are required and viewers will have different ideas depending on their own takes on religion and morality.

The DVD is quite basic but contains a very interesting making of, full of on set footage and interviews. Well worth watching to find out a bit more about the film. The commentary of course is excellent, with director Nicolas Winding Refn and our very own Alan Jones discussing the film in a very in depth way. For a film that is so open to individual interpretation it is very good to hear what these guys have to say about it all.

Russel Gomm.

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