Issue Date: 10/26/09
'Amelia' doesn't quite make it
2.5 stars out of 4
By Stephanie Dao
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In this case, Hilary Swank ("P.S. I Love You," "Freedom Writers") personifies Earhart dutifully. Swank gives a solid performance of her character living out her high-flying ambition. She embodies Earhart's contagious spirit, adventurous enthusiasm and her tough, undying passion toward her since-childhood dream of soaring amongst the birds, unrestrained by any lurking constraints.
Within the one hour and 51 minute runtime, director Mira Nair ("Vanity Fair") follows Earhart through her romantic relationships and her experience with becoming a global sensation as the first female to cross the Atlantic solo as well as the first woman to attempt to fly around the world, only to vanish during her seemingly well-prepared journey overseas in 1937.
Swank is the core female star among male co-stars Richard Gere ("Shall We Dance?"), Ewan McGregor ("Moulin Rouge") and Christopher Eccleston ("G.I. Joe: The Rise of Cobra"), who all star in the film as characters who traveled alongside Earhart, whether it is through her public affairs, private moments or time spent navigating through the clouds.
The widescreen cinematography, sharp set design and period costumes were three of the memorable aspects of the film. The movie's fresh, contemporary look was a fitting representation of Earhart's modern vigor and style. Intertwined rather nicely with the film's atmosphere was the actual black-and-white footage of Earhart integrated into certain scenes; many times, Swank's striking resemblance towards the icon herself brought about confusion to which footage portrayed the real Amelia and which consisted of the performing actress. Lush landscapes and location shots in South Africa, Nova Scotia and Newfoundland captured and conveyed the natural elements which Earhart so often embraced from her pilot's seat.
Unfortunately, there are important aspects missing from the film. Much of what is left out of the story or passed over too quickly with seemingly unimportant value is precisely what the audience hopes to delve deeper into but isn't presented the opportunity to do so. For example, the film does not touch upon the struggles which result in Earhart's longing and adamancy of obtaining nirvana she feels only while in the air. While the audience learns multiple times that Earhart's desire to break away from this sense of confinement prompts her to pilot her planes, a minimal amount of background on this remarkable character is actually brought to life onscreen.
Earhart quotes "Who would want to live a life in safety?" during the movie not once, but twice. One would think that Nair would try to follow up more so with the inspiration that Earhart radiated. More substance should have been placed around the framework of her protagonist's colorful life story.
While Earhart's most evident passion in life was aviation, the movie misses out on the aspect of crafting the multi-dimensional persona that all leading roles should embody.
If you are interested in deep character development, you won't find it in this production. However, if you just wanted the backstage pass to get a quick behind-the-scenes look at Amelia living out her flying dreams, this movie will be a bargain for your ticket.
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