Copyright 2005, Merie Wallace, SMPSP/ New LIne Productions

Like Ang Lee, Terrence Malick, who last directed The Thine Red Line back in ‘98, is one of those directors who goes into hiding for a while, not directing any films, and then comes out of nowhere with gold. Though in his new film, that is exactly what some of the characters are searching for in the film… but in real life, at least some kind of an award.

Everyone knows the story of Pocahontas, most likely from the Disney’s 1995 animated feature film which shares the same premise, but warps the story in a more kid friendly way. Obviously the settlers of Jamestown didn’t barge in singing, talking to old trees and hanging out with joyful animals. Terrence Malick’s new film brings forth the true story of the settlers and their conflict between whom they call “the naturals.”

1607, seen through the eyes of the Native Americans, there are strange masses on the golden horizons of what would become Jamestown, Virginia in a matter of months. These masses are large ships bearing many men, covered in armor, some head to toe, in search of gold and new land. In one of ships is the rebellious Captain John Smith (Colin Farrell), locked in the brig for insubordination. When the shores are reached, he is freed by Christopher Newport (Christopher Plummer), realizing they will need every man in order to conquer this new land, knowing of the strange people who dwell here. The Natives wander their campsites, the settlers ignore them, and all they seem to do is wander, grunt, and poke at their armor.

During this time Smith wanders off and discovers a shy young girl, who we know as Pocahontas (Q’Orianka Kilcher), we actually never know her name, they are both curious of each other, but nothing happens at this point. Back at the settlement a native shot down by a settler, thinking the native was stealing a weapon. The two sides then become hostile of one another.

Smith later wanders into their territory in search of the chief Powhatan (August Schellenberg) of their tribe interested in trade. He is captured and almost murdered before the king, but Pocahontas pleas for his life. For the next few months he lives among their tribe, learning of their culture.

The beginning of the film is rushed and that disappointed me. I would have easily sat there for another half an hour or forty-five minutes to learn more about the conflict between the natives and settlers and the early development of their Jamestown.

A lot of time is skipped in this film as well, as something begins to happen it jumps to the next scene, though you were eager to continue. As I said before I am open to see more in this film, I’m interested, so why hold back?

Perspective can be considered an art form, but using it in a film takes a lot of work and skill. Malick, who also wrote the screenplay, easily captures perspective as we see through the eyes Captain John Smith, the settlers, Pocahontas, the naturals, and some of the inhabitants of Jamestown. With this you find yourself constantly shifting sides of whom you are favoring during conflict.

You can see it in Kilcher’s eyes as her character is torn between the two sides. Kilcher’s acting is supreme at only fifteen years of age. Farrell is as he usually is; staring sadly into someone’s eyes, yet still manages to keep our attention. Christian Bale later plays a key role and does a very good job with what he is supposed to do; Batman won’t be his only memorable character.

After returning to the settlement after living with the natives and spending time with Pocahontas, compared to the natives area, the settlement is a dump. There is nothing but mud, gross living conditions, disease and starvation. This makes you question who really are the savages, the peaceful and nature loving natives, or the destructive greedy settlers. That is what Terrence Malick does, generates true perspective.

The whole primitive American coastline is beautifully depicted in this film, shot along the Chickihominy River in Virginia. I think just the idea of pure nature; with no man to interfere in any way is just truly beautiful. It’s very heartwarming to watch the relationship of John Smith and Pocahontas unfold, one of the most legendary romances of time.

Though lacking in some material, The New World really brings alternating and opposite perspectives to the screen. Being pulled in two different directions is tiring, especially for Pocahontas, who by the end, like the audience, wants to bring the two cultures together, so they can put aside their differences.

Unfortunately, two different worlds cannot always bond the way they should, and it generates conflict. There are no heroes or villains in this film, though some likable in different ways; in the end the only person you really like is the director.

Rated PG-13 for some intense battle sequences. Running time 135 minutes.