The Constant Gardener

Last night I had the pleasure of watching The Constant Gardener. Having partially seen this movie on a couple of occasions, I've really felt compelled to watch it in its entirety.

The Constant Gardener, based on the book of the same name by John le Carré, is the enthralling story of unsafe drugs testings, murders and cover-ups by MNC's in Kenya. Ralph Fiennes plays British diplomat Justin Quayle whose wife, Rachel Weisz (Tessa Quayle), is killed while unraveling the mysteries of pharmaceutical company's corruption.

Ralph Fiennes

This movie brought me on a thoroughly enjoyable journey through Kenya (and Europe at times). Every aspect of this movie is just astounding. It does such a good job at catpuring Africa, and its energy. Fiennes does an outstanding job as the leading man. He really carries this movie through the steadily-revealed plot, to and from the supporting actors as the story progresses. Weisz is also marvelous in her supporting role, portraying a very unique, feminine character.

In terms of colours, this movie is gorgeous, vibrant and full of life. The way this movie is shot is really interesting. I could ramble on all day about each scene until the time at which the cattle return to their homestead, however I will just describe a few.

• Justin Quayle is a gardening hobbyist, and is often working away with plants and such. In one of these scenes, he is lost in thought, and the out of focus camera follows his blurry outline. When his name is called, and he becomes aware the camera immediately snaps into focus, a very simple, yet affective touch.
• When Justin and Tessa move to Kenya they become progressively more estranged, as Tessa wishes to keep her work private. Obviously Justin is deeply saddened by his wife's death in Kenya, but its only when he returns to her apartment in London that he really grieves for his wife, rather the woman he fell in love with.
• While in Italy searching for an acquaintance of his wife, Justin walks past some men playing football on the street. Hours later he returns to his hotel room where he is brutally beaten by a group of men. They slam the door behind him and the camera subtly exposes a football being kicked down the hallway as they leave.

Rachel Weisz

The camera steers clear of any gruesome or shocking images of dead bodies or the like, which in this film is really saying something. In the final scene, and similarly in one of the opening/recurring scenes, there is a very distinct distance between the viewer and the violence facing the characters, where assumed gunshots are not heard, but instead reflected in the dispersion and racket of disturbed birds. This would have to be my favourite shot in the film, though there are many worthy competitors. This movie is a must-see, i compel you to watch it presently

The Constant Gardener
4.5/5