The term "done to death" certainly applies to a movie like "The Four Feathers."
Between TV and film, this marks the sixth time that A.E.W. Mason's novel has been filmed (with director Zoltan Korda's handsome 1939 remake the best).
Frankly, while some of the story's themes are timeless, such as the meaning of courage, loyalty and redemption, its ugly cultural imperialism doesn't play well nowadays — especially not with the modern world's heightened tension in the Middle East.
And despite the efforts of some talented people, including a top-notch young cast, this movie comes off more like "David Lean Lite" than an epic-for-a-new-generation, which was clearly intended. (Also, how a film this violent and bloody managed to get a PG-13 rating is yet another commentary on the weakness of the MPAA's ratings process.)
The title of this 19th-century period drama/adventure refers to the symbol of cowardice in the British Army. It's the last thing Harry Feversham (Heath Ledger) ever expected to receive from his friends and fiance, Ethne Eustace (Kate Hudson). Nevertheless, he receives not just one but four such tokens when he resigns his commission from the army — after he learns that his regiment is about to be sent to fight Sudanese rebels.
Suddenly cut off from the woman he loves. Harry receives even worse news about his former comrades — including his best friend, Jack Durrance (Wes Bentley) — who are in constant danger from Muslim attacks. That's enough to finally send Harry to Sudan. Acting on his own, he's fortunate enough to make the acquaintance of Abou Fatma (Djimon Hounsou), an African mercenary who advises Harry and protects him.
Director Shekhar Kapur, cinematographer Robert Richardson and the production designers do get the look and the feel of the time right. But the story is lacking any real emotional impact, and the plot is both contrived and clichd. (The film also appears to have been hacked down dramatically — several key transitional scenes appear to be missing.)
Ledger and the supporting cast are solid for the most part, but the film's strongest performance may be that of Hounsou, whose character emerges as the most heroic and sympathetic.
"The Four Feathers" is rated PG-13 for graphic scenes of war violence (gunfire and stabbings), graphic gore, brief scenes of torture (whippings), brief simulated sex, brief nudity (male and female) and scattered use of mild profanity (religious in nature). Running time: 128 minutes.
E-MAIL: jeff@desnews.com