1492: Conquest of Paradise Film Review

This time an epic of sorts. Ridley Scott’s attempt to recount the events surrounding Italian explorer Christopher Columbus, his travels to the New World and what had transpired there. The film was released in 1992 to coincide with the 500th anniversary of Columbus' journey when coincidentally a handful of films that set themselves around his life were released. Most of which were critical and commercial failures – such cases were John Glen’s take on the events. The Discovery, starring the legendary Marlon Brando and a more “comedic” take on the events with carrying on Columbus which proved genuinely dire. And now with Scott’s grand account of the story here, unfortunately, nothing has improved over those films mentioned.

Christopher Columbus played here by French star Gerard Depardieu begins to draw up a plan to sail across to the New World. However, he lacks enough resources and proper trust from the powers that be who see him as unreliable. After a chance meeting with shipowner Pinzon played by Tcheky Karyo who is known to a banker named Santangel. Reveals that the Queen Isabella the 1st of Spain played by Sigourney Weaver is in debt to him and grants Columbus an audience with her. In which she agrees to fund his exhibition to bring back a considerable amount of gold.

The voyage eventually proves successful and immediately on the land, he begins a rapport with the local natives and ultimately promises them that more will come to bring the message of God. Over time a settlement and a church are built there under his leadership. However, the relationship between the tribesmen and soldiers proves distrustful with the pursuit of gold. What follows is a storm that even Christopher Columbus himself can’t control, leading to his own reputation and life being put at stake.

Ridley Scott has clearly proven himself adept at grand-scale storytelling, and interesting character study and yet here the results seem entirely flat. I have been trying to pinpoint what exactly was wrong with this film, and it came down to a few factors. The first is that I think the subject matter itself is so big that the weight and scale of it proved that Scott couldn’t reign it in properly. It’s big and epic sure but the film is also dull and laboured, with it going on far too long.

Secondly, the film could have been given an engaging lead actor to guide us through the proceedings, which might have counteracted the first factor. Gerard Depardieu, unfortunately, provides a bland and not very impressive performance – which for this story is a huge problem. The third is the score. Vangelis worked with Ridley Scott again for this film and to say that his score is overblown is an understatement. There are scenes set in slow-motion, in which the score is drenched within, trying to create a profound atmosphere but just comes across as superficial and hard to take seriously.

Any attempt to delve into the inner turmoil of Columbus’ conflicted persona is at a loss for. For instead, we are treated to a barrage of long drawn out scenes of essential characters in rooms talking and talking. Not to mention, visual splendour that actually pads the film out longer than it needs to be. What should have been a fascinating account of discovery and imperialism. Ended up being a beautifully shot but ultimately dull and ponderous film. That once in a while, can reveal a breathtaking shot that reminds you what a brilliantly visual director Ridley Scott is, but as it is, it’s pretty bad. There is however an entertaining over-the-top performance from character actor Michael Wincott as a slimy and creepy fellow explorer. Whenever any time he was on screen, I was marginally entertained by how much he was relishing such a devious part. Sadly he isn’t on display enough.

A sprawling account of Christopher Columbus and his time with the Americas in the New World made epic by Scott but also languorous and ponderous in equal measure. Backed by a bland performance by Gerard Depardieu and with a lack of insight into the man himself renders the film not worthy of praise except for the visuals.

2/5