#REVIEW: “THE FACE OF AN ANGEL”

Review by Jonathan Godfrey for Mr. Will Wong

Amanda Knox, an American girl studying in Italy, was arrested for the murder of her roommate FMeredith Kercher in late 2007. Michael Winterbottom’s latest Film, The Face of an Angel, is based on the events surrounding the  Knox trial. In the Film, the Character’s names have been changed from those of their real-life counterparts. Amanda Knox has become Jessica Fuller, and Meredith Kercher has become Elizabeth Pryce. However, the Film is not a re-enactment of the trial and the events it concerns. It is a metaphysical Film… and not a True Crime Thriller.

It stars Daniel Brühl as Thomas, a Director eager to enliven his career. He is inspired in his efforts by Simone Ford, (Kate Beckinsale), an American Reporter covering the Jessica Fuller case in Italy. Simone shows Thomas that there is more to the case than meets the eye. This leads Thomas to stumble upon Melanie, (Cara Delevingne), a London Girl living in Italy. As Thomas begins to write his Script, Melanie acts his guide through the town where the murder took place.

From the onset the Film incorporates the work of the master Poet, Dante Alighieri. In time Dante’s Poetry even finds its way into the framework of the Film Thomas is making. It’s rather clever, and incredible how Paul Viragh’s Script pulls it off. The Cast brings the page to life admirably, and Newcomer Cara Delevingne shows she is more than just a pretty face. As an aside, it must be noted that the orchestral arrangements that act as the Score are absolutely enchanting. They bring a heaven to the hell that Thomas must go through. Like Dante’s Divine Comedy, we begin at the gates of hell and work through the nightmares they inspire. How it all ends will not be ruined here, suffice it to say that readers of Dante’s epic Poem will see how this Film turns one Woman’s fate into a profound journey about life, death, and what lies between.

Soda Pictures release THE FACE OF AN ANGEL, in theatres now and on Video-on-Demand Friday, July 7, 2015.