THE REVENANT is a stunning work. This fantastic film from director extraordinaire Alejandro González Iñárritu is a powerful tale of survival with a little vengeance thrown in for good measure. Sitting through this massive adventure is more like an experience as opposed to just sitting down with at tub of popcorn and a soda. From the shockingly brutal bear attack to the final seqence, this is one of the best films of the year. It is one that features a number of terrific performances, especially from the film's stars Leonardo DiCaprio and Tom Hardy.
Recently, we had the wonderful opportunity to attend the junket for the film. It was my first time getting to talk to the great Leonardo DiCaprio, and my second with Tom Hardy. As a fan of both, it was thrilling to chat about getting attacked by a bear on-screen and stepping into these characters. It was also fun to listen to DiCaprio describe the awesomeness that was MAD MAX: FURY ROAD. Wait? Was that a fanboy moment for Leo? I believe it may be. Either way, these two actors are beyond exceptional in THE REVENANT, and yes, I think Mr. DiCaprio will be standing on that stage accepting an Academy Award for Best Actor this year.
Next up, we had the pleasure of talking to young Forrest Goodluck who portrays DiCaprio's son Hawk. It was terrific chatting with him about working with Leo, and portraying what is one of the few fictional characters in the film.
And finally we spoke to a couple of extremly talented actors, Domhnall Gleeson and Will Poulter. The two play very different characters in the film, while both add a level of humanity to the vicious brutality on-screen. In fact, this is one fantastic collection of talent and while the movie may be intense and a bit long, it is such a visually stunning work that it is nearly impossible to take your eyes off it. THE REVENANT is an incredible drama, one that will linger in your membrane long after your first viewing.
THE REVENANT will be playing in limited release this Christmas with a wide release on January 8th. I enjoyed this movie so much that I even ate a live mealworm while speaking with the fine folks behind Bear Grylls Survival Academy. They were on hand to teach us a thing or two about surviving in the woods… I'm not too sure I'd do all that well on my own. Check this flick out on the big screen.