07-03-25 Tideland (2005)

Seen: March 23rd, 2007
Format: DVD
Rating: 7

I'm a fan of Terry Gilliam's. Most of his films I find amazing, The Brothers Grimm being an exception. They're not simple, and each seems to become less accessible. Tideland continues this procession.

I have no idea what this film is actually about. Even with Gilliam's introduction, I'm at a loss to find a cogent thread. I've finally given up, and decided that it's not really about anything. It's merely a story, and not a very pretty story, as presented from a child's point of view.

Horrific things happen here. Like some Prussian fairy tale, terrible and even gruesome things happen to an innocent girl. I have no clue where the allegory is, but she does seem to learn a lesson or two, some we'd consider positive, and some maybe not so much so. It's a strange journey that she travels, both before and during the film, and the end makes us wonder if it will become any better, whatever that means.

One thing that stands out here is the sheer talent of Jodelle Ferland, who could have been no more than 11 when she played this part. They way that she inhabits the character of Jeliza-Rose is stunning. Watching Jeliza-Rose as she goes about her life, you wonder, "how could this little girl do these things?" Then you remember that there's an actress actually playing the little girl who does these strange things in such a natural fashion. From her first scene, I was transfixed.

Brendan Fletcher turns in a masterful, classically Gilliam role as well. Its said that Gilliam cast him based based on an audition tape alone. Janet McTeer is excellent also.

Production design is as you might expect for a Gilliam film, though a bit more plain and understated than usual. The film isn't as visually dark as some of his other films. There are dark scenes, but they're interspersed with bright outdoor scenes. The juxtapositions are usually dramatic, though dark doesn't always mean danger or light, safety.

I should probably watch this film a few more times. I like it. You may not. Like most of Gilliam's films, its a little dark and a little more twisted. It's not sadistic, but it's absolutely creepy. If you've enjoyed Gilliam's more abstruse films in the past, it's definitely worth your time. If you like endings which neatly tie up loose ends, or are one of those people who tug at their companion in the theater and whisper "Why did he do that ?!?", then this is absolutely not your jar of lemonade.

The Good: Jodelle Ferland is transcendent

The Bad: Mystique as the anti-conscience

The Ugly: Loved Ones for all eternity