Heaven (some subtitles)

Tom Tykwer does it again with his latest film direction; in succession to Run, Lola Run (1998) and The Princess and the Warrior (2001) he challenges us with a conflict between corruption and revenge, justice and love, reality and escape. The story is set in Italy and it begins with a horrendous act of violence that we do not see directly. What evolves from this act is entirely unexpected and the unexpected continues to occur as the story unfolds. What I found so amazing was that I did not anticipate the final scene, yet it fit the storyline exactly.

In retrospect, the plot is simple. Yet what transpires emotionally is very complex in terms of the conflicts we feel watching it. I still havent decided whether I found the protagonist despicable, courageous or foolish.

A freebie with viewing the film is a tour of Italys beautiful scenery. The cameraman was so impressed with the footage taken from a helicopter with a gyroscopically stabilized camera that he kept it and you can see it on the DVD in the Special Features section under the title, Space Cam Fly-by. Watching this will take you on an art image high.

Cate Blanchett plays Philippa, a part that Tykwer imagined her doing and a part that she jumped at when she read the script. Blanchett began her ten-year career on the Australian stage. I have seen Blanchett in six films since her superb performance as Elizabeth in Elizabeth (1998). All of these have been excellent, including the small part she did as Petal Bear in The Shipping News (2001). One of these roles, Galadriel in The Lord of the Rings (2001, 2002, 2003) she took because she liked having pointed ears. Tykwer shows her at her best in this film and she responds.

Giovanni Ribisi plays Filippo opposite Blanchett. He is about five years Cates junior and this fits into the plot. Ribisi has had more than 30 film roles in his 15 year performing career. I saw him in Saving Private Ryan (1999), The Gift (2000) and in a lead role as Seth in Boiler Room (2000).

As simple as the story is, there is a lot going in the film. Watch the wonderful camera work and notice the solo piano and solo violin used as background music. You may be able to tell that I liked this film.

Reviewed August 29, 2003