Redford at his best in the unconventional drama "All is Lost"
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| Robert Redford |
The minimalist, well-acted new drama “All is Lost” stars Robert Redford as an unnamed, contemporary sailor who becomes lost at sea after his sailboat is severely damaged and becomes engaged in a battle of survival against the elements. Directed and written by J.C. Chandor in only his second feature film, following 2011’s “Margin Call,” “All is Lost” is one of the year’s most unique films: simplistic yet focused but smart, tense and well-executed by Chandor and his sole castmate, Redford, in one of his most unconventional roles to date. Considering there is minimal dialogue and Redford is the only one on screen at all times, the veteran actor keeps you engaged in a strong turn that exceeds the limited scope of the film. In a rather ironic twist, the actor best known for his looks from such classics as “All the President’s Men” and “Out of Africa” appears weathered and even beat, and the film heavily relies on that look to make a stark point: that the sea, as beautiful as it appears at times, can also be your worst enemy. As well, as Redford is bruised and tossed to and fro in some of the more tense moments of the film, it also gives you the notion that even experienced sailors will eventually give out after a certain period of time, though the ending may give some hope. The extended period of dialogue-free silences (which is about 98% of the film) which have Redford at his finest, isn’t for everyone and thus some may be bored by the unique but satisfying and affecting experiment known as “All is Lost.” Given that Tom Hanks did something similar in 2000’s “Cast Away,” this isn’t really completely new, and on paper doesn’t seem like much, but Redford and Chandor’s “All is Lost” is worthy of your time.
Wes's Grade: B+
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