Rescue Dawn Starring Christian Bale And Steve Zahn
Last night, I went to see Werner Herzog's Rescue Dawn starring Christian Bale and Steve Zahn. I am a big fan of both these actors and so-so fan of Werner Herzog. I have to admit, I don't really know much about Herzog as a Director; I first heard of him when Grizzly Man came out and that movie (Grizzly Man) and this movie (Rescue Dawn) are the only ones of his that I have seen. While I cannot speak to any of his other movies, based on these two, Herzog seems to have a consistent style in his movie making. This films lumbers along fairly slowly, not quite turning you off, but at the same time, not really sucking you in.
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At over 2 hours long, Rescue Dawn doesn't feel like it drags on in any way - the two hours and 6 minutes do go by easily - but, at the same time, you don't really feel like a whole lot is happening. It's like watching a documentary who's aim is not so much to entertain, but rather to tell the story of the events that occurred. But then again, that's not entirely true. I don't want it to sound like this movie was boring - far from it. In some ways, it's a classic underdog story, where you can't help but cheer for Christian Bale who stays strong in the face of danger while fighting unbelievable odds that most of us could never even imagine dealing with.
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Ever since I saw American Psycho, I have been a huge fan of Christian Bale. I think he's an amazingly talented actor and is one of the few actors out there who will throw himself full-force in torturing roles, no matter what it takes. The body transformation he made in The Machinist was simply insane. While not as pronounced, the transformation he makes in Rescue Dawn as a prisoner of war is also a little hard to stomach. I think some of the success of this movie is shouldered by the fact that Christian Bale doesn't mind punishing his body to make the story more believable. I am sure that had I not been such a big fan of Bale, this movie would have not have seemed as good as it did.
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The relationship between Christian Bale and Steve Zahn was done very well. It was actually quite touching. Steve Zahn is just a fun guy to watch, and while he traditionally fills comedic movie roles, he certainly held his own in a dramatic performance. Their quirky acting styles complimented well and I think made both characters seem more real and personable. While the story line was fine, it was this excellent casting that really carried the movie.
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Overall, I have to say that I enjoyed Rescue Dawn, but I am not sure that YOU will. It takes a certain mind set and the ability to be comfortable watching a movie that doesn't move along all that fast. I am happy that I saw it, but at the same time, I am also happy that I went to see it alone. It's the kind of movie that would be ruined seeing it with a friend; the kind where you'd be sitting there worried the whole time that your friend was bored and not having any fun. If you have any doubts or hated Grizzly Man with a passion, I'd say don't spend the $11.00 and wait to watch it on video.
Reader Comments
Ben,
That movie was hardcore (in a quiet sort of way) for those actors crawling through the muck, eating bugs like it was not a big deal and pulling leeches off their bodies. Bale is nuts. I am almost sure he is the hardest working lead actor in the biz.
Werner Herzog is a good director, but when he was best is when he worked with Klaus Kinski who is absolutely insane and dead.
Buy:
Aguirre: The Wrath of God (subtitles)
At the same time buy:
My Best Fiend <<< The documentary back story on Kinski with Herzog just looking at the cover photo and you will want to buy it. I watched it over and over a few times because it was fascinating.
Enjoy
P.S. I stole your contact captcha idea (sorta)...I emailed asking permission, but I got no response...So I put on my pirate hat.
Frank
@Frank,
Those sound like some good movies. Yeah, Bale is nuts. The leech scene is freaky!
Oh, and sorry about not responding. That is weird. I have been very busy lately, but I don't even remember seeing that. YES, please use anything on my site.
Are you really so stupid and ignorant wanker that you hadn't seen any other Herzog's movies? Boy, you truly are an idiot! You should stop school and study shoveling shit, cause you're total human disaster, period ;))))
yet again, Bale is overcoming hardship and inspiring others in a POW prison
Herzog is an amazing director, now actor - which is great, seeing him make fun of himself as the (Hollywood) stereotypical crazy, kinky, somewhat demented, German.
Rescue Dawn was an intense film, very well acted and directed, plus a true story- which adds to the amazement factor.
There are several interviews with Herzog on YouTube- one where he even gets shot but insists on continuing the interview- 'nuf said.
Herzog is an amazing director, now actor - which is great, seeing him make fun of himself as the (Hollywood) stereotypical crazy, kinky, somewhat demented, German.
Rescue Dawn was an intense film, very well acted and directed, plus a true story- which adds to the amazement factor.
There are several interviews with Herzog on YouTube- one where he even gets shot but insists on continuing the interview- 'nuf said.
@Tom,
If you can show me the one where he gets shot, that would be awesome. I almost can't believe it :)
i thought that the movie kind of sucked. Those were not the right people for the roles. Period.
yes you should see other herzog movies :)
that movie was so realistic because they were wow it was amazing
Cristian Bale is PERFECTION!!!!!!!!!
Cristian Bale is PERFECTION!!!!!!!!!
@Liza,
Yeah, he is pretty awesome.
HI,
have you heard about, how bale treaded his cameraman?
the word with "F", you know?
really a "badman".............(boom)
http://streetknowledge.wordpress.com/2009/02/03/audio-christian-bale-curses-out-threatens-cameraman-on-set-of-terminator-salvation/
@Elle,
Yeah, he seriously loses it! I hope his passion in the moment offers some insight into how the movie will be (I was told it was Terminator 4). I am pretty excited. I am a huge fan of Bale and of the Terminator series - I hope he takes this same passion to the screen!
Yea he lost his shit because a the camera guy was screwing with the lighting during the middle of an emotional scene. You don't do that to actors when they're opening up esp. in a emotional moment