I have a strong affinity for movies that bring to light otherwise unknown or forgotten events in American or World history. Because even if the movie's bad, you still stand a good chance of learning something new about the world around you. Rabbit Proof Fence was a beautiful but disturbing film that informed us of a dark and sinister period of Australian heritage. Fernando Meirelles' City of God was a heartbreaking story that enlightened us to the frightening state of crime and poverty in Brazil's Favelas. Meirelles does it again with The Constant Gardener, this time exposing the selfish, money-grubbing tentacles of Big Pharmacy. Serving the dual purpose of both entertainment and social commentary, these types of films are usually powerful, topically resonant and often evoke a wide range of emotions. The Constant Gardener certainly falls into this category.
At its heart, The Constant Gardener is a searing love story wrapped inside the skin of a scandalous murder mystery. But its outermost layer the one Meirelles takes his time revealing - is a gritty, grimy tale of corporate greed and conspiracy in the slums of Kenya.
The movie opens with the death of Tessa (Rachel Weisz), the activist wife of a mild-mannered British diplomat Justin (Ralph Fiennes). Justin would rather tend his zinnias and marigolds and be the occasional diplomat, than bother himself with his wife's apparent busywork. Using flashbacks and a nonlinear approach to telling the story, Meirelles carefully guides us through the complex narrative without giving away too much of the plot at any one time. He seamlessly weaves the evolving love story of Justin and Tessa between the chapters of Tessa's investigation into pharmaceutical companies that she suspects might be testing drugs on impoverished Africans with AIDS. As she uncovers more and more of the believed wrongdoings by Big Pharma (as it's called) she comes under increasing danger.
Upon the suspicion that his wife's death might have been at the far-reaching hands of the pharmaceutical companies, Justin against the forceful advisement of his higher-ups - throws himself headfirst into the investigation where his wife left off. From the putrid slums of Kenya, all the way back into the ranks of his own employer, the British Diplomatic Corps, Justin takes on the dogged determination once displayed by Tessa. As his investigation uncovers more and more wrongdoing by Big Pharma, he concurrently discovers more about who his wife really was. By confronting the things to which he had previously turned a blind eye, he becomes closer to her and his love for her grows.
The Constant Gardener is like a pharmaceutical Silkwood filmed in the style of Traffic. But better than both. That Meirelles and screenwriter Jeffrey Caine are able to effectively combine a love story with a documentary-like tale of corporate scandal into a compelling movie is a testament to their brilliant filmmaking skills. But that they are able to make the audience truly care about both stories is what puts these two at the top of the filmmaking heap. Meirelles is truly a master at painting a visual picture. The tin-roofed shanties, mud-caked roads and smiling faces of children with distended bellies in the village of Kiambu provide a striking and unforgettable contrast to the comfort and sophistication of Justin's home offices in the United Kingdom, or even to his more modest abode in Kenya.
The Constant Gardener is a movie that will run you through a gamut of emotions. You'll smile with the African children as they play and run in the streets, but feel sorrow for knowing that their joy is only temporary. You'll feel anger at the corporate abuse of power yet sense warmth for the compelling love story of Tessa and Justin. The Constant Gardener marks the beginning of the Fall movie season, reminding us that the good ones are finally here.
DVD Details:
Screen formats: Widescreen Anamorphic 2.35:1
Subtitles: English, Spanish, French
Language and Sound: English: Dolby Digital 5.1; French: Dolby Digital 5.1
Other Features: Color; interactive menus; scene access.
* Featurettes
o Embracing Africa: Filming in Kenya - follows the filming crew in Kenya.
o John LeCarre: From Page to the Screen - A discussion with the writer about how the script was put together.
o Anatomy of a Global Thriller: Behind the Scenes of the Constant Gardener - Behind the scenes featurette.
* Extended Scene: Haruma: Play in Kibera - an extended version of a small play that takes place during the film.
* Deleted Scenes: Total of four scenes that didn't make the final cut.
Number of discs: - 1 - Keepcase Packaging.