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The Constant Gardener

Regretfully I did not get the chance to catch The Constant Gardener while it was in theaters, but that doesn't mean I didn't want to. I'm sure there are plenty of you who are reading this review now who didn't get to see it in the theater either. Maybe because it looked too disoriented, perhaps too politically driven, or maybe it just didn't seem like your cup of tea, but hey it's your opinion and you're entitled to it.

I, on the other hand, really enjoyed this film. Personally, I love a good conspiracy especially when the story is told well. And although at times Gardener may seem to drag or hobble its way through the second act the story is engaging and shot extremely well. From the vast landscapes of Africa to the continents' economically dismal inner cities, we, the viewer are able to visually place ourselves into that culture, something that could not be achieved from mediocre or timid camerawork.

But I'm getting ahead of myself. I haven't even told you what the film is about. The Constant Gardner directed by Fernando Meirelles, the man who brought us City of God (if you have not seen it I strongly suggest you rent it) tells the story of a conspiracy planted deep within African cities, primarily Kenya. Right at the source of the corruption, the nucleus if you will, rests the head honchos of American and European big business pharmaceuticals. And beneath that powerful blanket of lies and treachery we have Tessa Quayle (Rachael Weisz) the young beautiful wife of diplomat Justin Quayle (Ralph Fiennes). Tessa a natural at rattling cages, attempts to uncover this pharmaceutical conspiracy by putting a stop to the circulation of a dangerous drug being used on the impoverished of Africa and bring those responsible to justice. When Tessa and her partner for the cause Arnold (Hubert Koundé) are murdered Justin utilizes his diplomatic connections and sets out to continue Tessa's crusade. Unfortunately, the closer Justin gets to the truth the closer danger and the likelihood of sharing Tessa's fate become.

The film doesn't throw a whole lot of surprises at you. From the beginning you notice that a number of characters seem to be hiding something or holding back the "whole" truth. What makes this film enjoyable is watching the eventual revealing of these truths and watching these corrupt characters be backed into corners, forced to spill the beans. Fiennes does an excellent job of playing the emotionally tortured widower whose quest for the truth consumes him and relentless pursuit leads him into places and interactions he could have never imagined.

Backstabbing, shady deals, lies, deceit are all aspects which tie into the plot of The Constant Gardener.

These elements encased within the story are presented at a moderate pace so don't go into the film expecting to see a non stop action thrill ride that will throw you from your couch or recliner. No, much of this film is paced on the slower side with some tension and suspense sporadically sprinkled throughout. The story is interesting but it may take some time to grab you so bear with it, it just happens to be one of the more intellectual and better constructed films of the 2005 year.

Special Features:

Hmm what do we have here"¦some deleted scenes, pretty standard and mostly pretty boring, that is unless you have an interest in seeing what's been cut out of the film. Who knows some people like them, I usually don't. If it's not good enough to be in the movie it's not really worth my time, but again, that's just me.

There are also three featurettes which may be worth your while. The segment Embracing Africa: Filming in Kenya showed more of the African culture, the people and places behind the film so to speak. Commentary from the actors and producer provided a nice narration to the piece giving the viewer more background on the location.

John Le Carre: From Page to Screen basically had the man who wrote the novel which inspired the film John Le Carre talk about his novel's cinematic adaptation. Pretty interesting I guess if you want more background on the film's creation and transition from the novel to the big screen. But if creation is what you crave then you will enjoy the last featurette, Behind the Scene of The Constant Gardener, which is a brief documentary-style telling of how the film was made. There are all sorts of commentary so you can get your fill of inside info. All in all I can't say the DVD extras weren't too shabby, and if you like the movie, why not check them out?

Movie Grade: B+

DVD Features Grade: B-

Overall Grade: B