As I just finished reading Alex Garland's novel The Beach today, it seemed like a good place to start for my first blog review. I first watched, and subsequently loved, the film several years ago, and reading the novel has given me a lot to talk about.
Trusty old Roger Ebert described The Beach as 'a confused film that makes three or four passes at being a better one and doesn't complete any of them.' I think, ultimately, I agree with him. One thing that stands out about The Beach is the fluctuating and somewhat flustered style of both camerawork and plot. It starts off as a mellow and inspiring adventure, hazily lit by Thai sunsets. It suddenly takes on a grubby, sinister feel before dropping into a Vietnam-inspired nightmare, before finishing on a cheery, typical Hollywood note. The sudden changes in style are abrupt and inexplicable, and because of this, the film does not run too fluidly.
The cast act well, given the badly-adapted screenplay which I believe is what failed this movie. It takes on enough of the novel's plot and underlying themes to create a watered down version, but not enough of them to prevent utter confusion at unfinished sub-plots and sudden changes in direction.
Despite an under-developed screenplay, this movie excels in creating an atmosphere. When Richard (Leonardo DiCaprio), Francoise (Virginie Ledoyen) and Etienne (Guillaume Canet) collapse into the shallows of the mysterious beach, it is every bit the paradise that Daffy (Robert Carlyle) promised. Beautifully bright blues and yellows flood the lagoon, shades you can only see in tropical places. All the beauty of a Thai island, complete with showers and wooden huts, and a field full of 'complimentary' marijuana- it really is paradise. The first segment of the movie is truly feel-good, and incredibly absorbing, and this is the part I like the most.
The Beach is exciting, if somewhat 'confused,' and truly let down by a bad screenplay. It allows you to daydream about the possibilities when you have no responsibilities, and plenty of spirit (and money!), and it's a great feeling!
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