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Weak script and lethargic acting ground 'Amelia'
Published online on Thursday, Oct. 22, 2009
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Considering that the new biopic "Amelia" is based on two books about the famed flier - Susan Butler's "East to the Dawn" and Mary S. Lovell's "The Sound of Wings" - the film is very thin when it comes to insights. Director Mira Nair has created more of a travelogue than an examination of one of the most intriguing women in history.
"Amelia" should have been a compelling story of love, bravery and the human spirit - but it ends up about as interesting an in-flight airplane safety movie. You know you should pay attention, but it all seems way too familiar.
The script by Ron Bass and Anna Hamilton Phelan uses Earhart's final flight as the film framework. That's the safe and bland choice, since Earhart's disappearance at sea has been documented so well. It would have been far more interesting to look at what drove Earhart as a child to want to be a flier. There weren't that many pilots - men or women - who wanted to fly at the beginning of the 20th century.
Nair skims across Earharts life, barely touching her marriage, affair and role as a spokesperson for everything from waffle irons to luggage. There is a brief mention of Earhart's love for her alcoholic father, but the writers steer clear of going too deep. A closer examination of any one of these points would have made for a better film.
Hilary Swank, who has more than a passing resemblance to Earhart, is lethargic in her acting. History shows Earhart was a woman of great strength, but Swank never shows even a moment of spunk. The two-time Oscar winner will get mentioned when Academy Award nominations roll around - but more out of habit than as a legitimate contender.
Hilary Swank portrays famed aviatrix Amelia Earhart in "Amelia."
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Grade: C-
Richard Gere plays Earhart's husband, and Ewan McGregor portrays her lover. Both do the best they can with a script that provides very little fodder for their roles.
"Amelia" doesn't crash and burn, but it never soars despite being powered by such a fascinating subject.
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