baumer Posted December 1, 2016 Share Posted December 1, 2016 Discuss 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Blankments Posted December 4, 2016 Share Posted December 4, 2016 Another film that my professor paused too often during; another film that will not be rated because of it. The Killing Fields is a beautiful film, at least in cinematography. The wide shots have a sense of awe to them frequently and it just really works. Likewise, the first half of the film works too, with tense buildup and great thrilling sequences. Unfortunately, the second half of the film is utterly terrible. The Cambodian scenes are stupidly voiced-over rather than subtitled, and all of Pran's suffering is told through montage. Mopey Sam Waterston scenes are also a waste of time; they distract from Dith Pran's compelling story. The entire film is hurt by an obvious, over-the-top score that's just as awful as the cinematography is wonderful. The only person who makes through the whole film as a great aspect is Ngor, whose performance makes the entire film worth watching despite its glaring flaws. If The Killing Fields released today, it'd be an average Oscar bait, with good elements but yet a fear to truly involve us in the suffering the tale requires to be portrayed. An absolutely average film. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
