As one of the most talked about projects of the past two years, Clint Eastwood's Nelson Mandella bio-pic Invictus has been on my radar for quite some time.
The story is an inspiring one: Nelson Mandella, recently released from prison following the fall of the Apartheid, forgoes any angst he might have towards the people who supported his captivity (something most human beings would not be capable of) in favor of working diligently to unite the people of South Africa. He looks to their rugby team for a source of team spirit and national accord in the heated race to win the World Cup. Morgan Freeman is spectacular as the venerable President Mandella, who led South Africa through its transition to multi-racial democracy. Matt Damon plays Francois, the South African rugby coach charged with winning the World Cup. Damon is fine in the role, but there are higher level issues that inhibit each actor's performance.
If you asked me five years ago what I thought of Clint Eastwood's work as a director, I'd say that he is a master manipulator of emotion, as demonstrated through his behind the camera work in Mystic River, Letters from Iwo Jima, and (although many would disagree with me) Million Dollar Baby. However, his last few projects have crossed the line into maudlin terrain, and Invictus unfortunately follows suit. As Morgan Freeman arrived via helicopter in slow motion to greet Damon's team on the field with lyrics like "It's not just a game to meeee. I'm colorbliiind," I nearly imploded. Might I also suggest that Clint HIRE SOMEONE ELSE to write his scores? Eastwood has served up a huge block of cheddar with this project, and it absolutely ruins what should be a meaningful film about a revered political leader.
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totally with you, the music nearly ruined the film. It certainly ruined several would be good scenes.
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