Fridae

Reclusive director Terence Malick always seems to be making up
his own cinematic language as he goes along. His films often take
the form of melanges of dream-like visuals layered with musing voice-overs.
The New World is not an exception. Set in Virginia's Jamestown
colony in 1607, Colin Farrell stars as Capt. John Smith, while mesmerizing
newcomer Q'Orianka Kilcher plays Pocahontas.

It's an oft-told tale made strikingly original by the filmmaker's
daring approach — a drifting, almost painterly omniscient
perspective that subverts and discards narrative conventions to
a point where The New World tells its story with pictures
and music instead of words.

Profoundly evocative and profusely poetic, The New World
is a marvelous film whose achievements are sadly snubbed by this
year's Oscar's voters. Those familiar with Malick's oeuvre, however,
will not be disappointed by the director's latest vision even if
it went unrecognised by Hollywood industry. With three brilliant
features behind him (Badlands, Days of Heaven
and the triumphant The Thin Red Line), The New World
adds another feather to his cap.

Have you ever heard a wolf cry to the blue corn moon? Or paint
with all the colours of the wind? Now you will. Savor this one.