Silence is an incredibly well directed, excellently acted, beautiful looking film. So, why then, did I find it such a slog to sit through? I don't think I have ever turned from excited to see a movie to antsy for it to be over so quickly. I doubt it's the fact that I, as an atheist, had trouble buying into a film all about the power of faith. I have enjoyed films like this before, after all. Nor do I think that it is because this kind of story goes over my head. Rather, I think it is because of the way in which the film presents its ideas. It is way too long (this is coming from the one person who thought Martin Scorcese's last film, The Wolf of Wall Street was a perfect length) and ends up at a conclusion that could be seen coming from the very beginning.
The film stars Andrew Garfield and Adam Driver as Rodrigues and Garrpe, two priests who decide to travel to Japan after a Father (Ciaran Hinds) tell them that their mentor (Liam Neeson) has inexplicably given up all faith in God. Once in Japan, they encounter religious persecution that tests their willingness to God.
Scorcese and cinematographer Rodrigo Prieto shoot the film beautifully. Every shot is breathtaking and, even though the film is at least forty minutes too long, the shots themselves never feel wasted. As well, individual moments are undeniably riveting. The idea that these priests may ultimately have to accept God different from how they see him creates some fascinating moments. One moment in particular where Rodrigues yells at a group of people as they are getting ready to die is powerful.
However, the screenplay by Scorcese and Jay Cocks (based on a novel by Shusaka Endo) is fairly weak. It makes the same point over and over and over again and features far too many scenes of people getting tortured for their beliefs. Persecution is a powerful concept but the film goes too far in telling the audience that. In fact, the second half of the film is almost entirely Rodrigues and others getting tortured. Why not use some of that time to explore the reason why the Inoue (Issie Ogata) feels the need to make those who do not agree with him suffer? Some may argue no answer is more powerful. To that I would say that torture without context is meaningless.
Also, Garfield is out of place here. He's a great actor and his performance is never anything but well done. However, he looks too modern, too handsome, too neat to be playing a 17th century priest. Driver looks more the role, which is why it's so disappointing that his role is more of a supporting one.
I can not at all call Silence a bad film. It would be hard to find a film that is better looking and Scorcese continues to show that he has more energy than directors half his age behind the camera. However, by the time the film wraps up, the point has been made and it was all too obvious all along what that is. Perhaps you should see Silence for yourself. I can't say that it wouldn't be right up your alley. I, however, found it mostly redundant and dull.
(2 and 1/2 out of 5 Stars, The film is rated R for some disturbing violent content.)
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