Valhalla Rising is different. The first time I watched it, I wasn't sure what I had seen, but I wanted to watch it again. The dialog is sparse to non-existent, and the plot has a surreal quality to it.This is not a typical movie. This is a movie that is more artistic that most, and more artistic that most can stand. It is the very definition of an independent film. If that's what you like, then you need to see this film.
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| One-eye has glimpses into the future. |
Nicolas Winding Refn directed this film before
Drive made him more well known. This movie stars Mads Mikkelson, from the television series
Habbinal, as a mute viking, One-eye. Mikkelson, the movie's star, has no dialog throughout the film. We follow his journey as a prisoner to sailing with a group of Crusaders.
The imagery is great due to the natural Scottish backdrops. The entire movie was filmed in Scotland The mist that hangs in the air provides the film with a dream like quality. The production looks ninth century, with a very rustic look. The color palette is used to enhance the chapters that divide the film. The first couple of chapters are very gray, but when the Crusaders reach land, green is more prominent with increased saturation.
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The Crusaders will soon discover they're
not the only ones inhabiting this land. |
This movie is a series of brutal images and characters staring into the distance. Where most movies progress the story with dialog,
Valhalla Rising provides images. It pushes you to project emotions on the characters, which isn't a bad thing.
The style ties in so well with the imagery, music, and setting to create a great mood. It's a well done movie.
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