IR Film Review: HEART OF THE BEAST [Paramount]
The aspect of a survival thriller has been done before. Interestingly enough the most recent one that comes to mind is "Call Of The Wild" starring Brad Pitt's co-star in "The Devil’s Own": Harrison Ford. Pitt’s new movie “Heart Of The Beast” directed by his "Fury" director David Ayer knows that the star of the film is Odin, the former solder’s combat dog. The set up has James, Pitt’s character, flying in his Cessna into the Alaska wilderness and camping with his best friend: Odin. It feels primal and calming for these combat veterans. New Zealand’s South Island stands in for Alaska and especially with some of the lakes gives it a great feeling (and some beautiful flying sequences) though most of the film takes place on the ground. The crash as seen in the trailer is the result of a human fallacy though we are never given an indication of whether James knew there was a problem or not from the get go. Pitt plays James as not a perfect character but also one that can’t catch a break despite his best intentions.
Beside two other people at the beginning and end there is no other people on screen beside Pitt and his dog. The build of the story works but also is not overtly complicated though the production must have been interesting if they shot in most of the places seen. This story seems like something that appeals to Pitt's sensibilities but also might be reflected of this point in his life. The movie never apologizes for James but not does not do him any favors. One sequence on a river shows Odin’s power and intellect but also his baseline. Most of the military elements are glimpses of dreams and flashbacks of the two of them in combat zones though we never see a full scene. It is just bits and pieces. We get an indication that James was wounded in action and lost his whole platoon. Only Odin beyond James survives but he too has his scars. A later attack sequence that seemingly solidifies the trajectory of the pair but it is about that loyalty and the intelligence. Doing a dog movie can always be tricky but this story understands its meaning gives drama and thrills without sinking into too much sentimentality while providing a journey with both meaning and tragic results. 85%/B
By Tim Wassberg
