Terrence Malick's "The New World" is a film that requires a lot out of its viewer. It is not for the average, passive filmgoer and it is not for someone merely interested in just catching a glimpse of Colin Farrell's robust Irish chest. The film is slow moving, heavy on first person reflection narration and relies on the stunning but often drawn out cinematography. For some it is a film that will bring yawns, for others it is a powerful, intimate and visually dazzling look at our country's history, told by one of the most underrated, underused and underappreciated filmmakers working today. \nOn the surface "The New World" is the story of Pocahontas, John Smith and the landing at Jamestown, Virginia. The film, however, is more an allegory of the history behind not only America, but of the move towards the melding of different cultures and the creation of the "global village" that we live in today. \nThe film originally had a limited theatrical release and then was yanked back by Malick for the editing of 20 minutes of footage. While one would expect both versions of the film on the newly released DVD, Malick and New Line sadly decided to hold out, possibly until a special edition surfaces or maybe because the longer version was cut for a good reason. \nThe new DVD does feature an interesting hour-long documentary on the making of the film, which covers everything from the highly detailed, authentic production design of the film's sets and costumes to the use of various Native American actors and choreographers who all played a role in creating a historically accurate film. What's striking and unfortunate about the featurette, however, is that despite its one-hour running time and interviews with almost everyone involved in the film there is never once a shot or interview with director Terrence Malick even though he is referenced numerous times.\nMalick has always been somewhat of a mysterious, hermitesque filmmaker, having only directed four films in over 30 years. He surfaces every once and a while as a producer or writer of a film, but other than that not much is known about him. It would have been nice to hear his thoughts about the film but, alas, he leaves us to make up our own minds.\n"The New World" was one of the best films of last year and should have received more recognition. This is not your watered down, singing-raccoon-infused Disney retelling of one of America's most important events. It is a beautifully told tale of love and the discovery of a new way of life that, like "The Last of the Mohicans" and "The Mission," is one of the finest historical films about the clashing of cultures ever made.
\n-- C. Warner Sills
