2/16/21 - News of the World (2020) - 5/10
High production values give it the dirty sheen of the West, but unlike the times or their best representation, this lacked any real drama and all of the “news” was dully black & white. It was all disappointingly generic. The drama is manufactured, and honestly, a bit trite. The bits, bobs and moments of what could be came off always as melodramatic and unsupported.
Hanks is benignly bland but suitable. Helena Zengel on the other hand vibrantly shimmers in her role as the child lost, lacking turf and tribe. She has such a striking look and is marvelous child casting. A picturesque mug, with bright hopeful and a world weary slash of a mouth.
The “news” it brings is all very subdued and lame. It felt like the backbone of a solid tale, without the meaty elements of empathetic connection and satisfying machinations. One of the more deflated works of Greengrass.
The score is solid and reminiscent, if not even good, but fails to astound. Its presence along with the child’s inject any vitality into the film. But despite the adept Hanks and Greengrass, it provokes mostly just a yawn.
