Undescribable Perfection

Overrated and overhyped

While it doesn't offer any answers, it both thrills and makes you think.

Blistering performances.

Like many people, I started watching "Fearless" without great anxiety or grand expectations. I had heard it was a good movie and that Jeff Bridges' performance was somewhat memorable in contrast to his other work.What I got however, was a beautiful film about the understanding of our own inner fears, whether they are justified or not, and by extension, our established concepts of life and death.Although I'm not giving away direct spoilers, some of the analysis might prove to show minor aspects of the narrative.We start off moments after the tragic plane crash and we are soon shown that Max, our lead character, is not reacting to his near death experience the way we would normally expect. He seems calm and not very interested in giving interviews or even getting medical attention.As the narrative progresses, we notice how other survivors deal with their horrific experience and it becomes clearer that, when people endure through such an overwhelming experience, their own psychological reactions are not really alike. That is, people's own personal experiences and fears shape how their minds are going to process such an unusual and traumatic incident. This notion is very well constructed throughout the film due to some fantastic acting, specially on Rosie Perez's part, and great writing. Indeed, the supporting cast is very well written and the characters around Max are three dimensional and pose interesting ideas all trough the film.Even still, what makes this film great and unforgettable is the constant existential debate of what it truly means to be living, backed by, in my opinion, Jeff Bridges's greatest performance yet. After surviving the plane crash, Max loses the sense of fear as he comes to the conclusion that life and death are, ultimately, out of our control. With that said, is there necessity for rational fear or any instinct of preservation?The ending serves as an interpretation of the answer to this question. It only helps that the final crash scene is one of the most memorable and emotional scenes I have ever seen. We are shown how terrifying and destructive the sight of a disaster can be. The final scene works almost as a film in its own right by showing how people try to cope with the fact that death is imminent, and at the same time beautifully showing Max's transition into the mind state he was in through the entire film up until the end.It is hard to understand how such a film is not more broadly known and praised. Perhaps a more thorough study of the marketing process or the box office context could serve as an answer, but not an excuse. Jeff Bridges is sensational and delivers a dominant performance. He truly is one of the most underrated actors of his generation. After seeing this film, I doubt many would disagree with me. In the end, Peter Weir's "Fearless" stands on its own as one of the great movies from the 90's, even if not many people are aware of it.

"Fearless" is a powerful movie. From the terrifying crash sequence to Jeff Bridges walk on a roof top and his physics lesson for the benefit of Rosie Perez, "Fearless" owes its considerable emotional impact to the Rafael Yglesias novel of the same name. No surprise since Yglesias wrote the screenplay.What I found surprising is that Yglesias did not receive even a nomination for the screenplay. "Schindler's List" won, but I still ask, how did "Fearless" not receive a nomination? Bridges, Isabella Rossellini and Perez brought the script to life with brilliant performances, but the story of "Fearless" is in the story. It is a rare examination of the effect of experience on human behavior and personality, and the courage that a few find in those experiences. Insanity never was so valuable as it is in "Fearless."

Peter Weir has always been a filmmaker to admire. 'The Truman Show' is a legendary film, my all-time favorite film. 'Fearless', which released way back in 1993, sadly ranks amongst his weak efforts. However, this does become 'A Must Watch' film due to the strong performances by it's lead cast.Academy-Award-Winner Jeff Bridges stars as a man's who's personality is dramatically changed after surviving a major airline crash. The aftermath of the character and his connections with the world... is what 'Fearless' is all about.'Fearless' begins wonderfully, but 40-minutes into the film, it loses the pace. Even the culmination leaves a lot to be desired. Weir's direction is satisfactory, but the Screenplay has loose-ends. The Cinematography is good.As mentioned, 'Fearless' is packed with strong performances. Jeff Bridges plays a highly difficult role with brilliance. This truly is one of his best performances to date. Rosie Perez is outstanding in a role that, again, is very Hard to play and execute. Isabella Rossellini is marvelous. Tom Hulce is hugely effective. Benicio del Toro leaves a mark, he's superb.On the whole, Not A Gem, but surely deserves a watch for the Performances, that leave you stunned!

Peter Weir is unique in his ability to convey the niceties of life with authenticity. Jeff Bridges is the master of the theatrical understatement. A plane crash creates a untenable level of fear in the mind anyone who has stood next to one and pondered that fate.Henryk Gorecki's Symphony No 3 creates an overwhelming sense of sadness. Fearless benefits from all these things, as well as a strong supporting cast.I cannot watch this movie without being buffeted emotionally. I know many film lovers prefer a more concrete plot and less tugging at the heartstrings. They should turn to a different page now.Fearless is a gem for anyone else.I hasten to add America, the Peter Weir was only on loan, and we want him back in Australia.