惊心动魄的生存挑战《一切尽失》

    Set on the Indian Ocean, the film gives actor Robert Redford his best role in years.

    Sometimes the film is like a how-to manual*, providing almost no background to the story, which is simply man against nature.

    Introduced just as “Our Man,” Redford gives a short voiceover* as the movie opens and then keep silent for the most of the story. In fact, the only other dialogue comes from a broken radio that sends out more static* than words, making this a modern-day silent*.

    Most of the action takes place aboard the Virginia Jean, a comfortable yacht* sailing 1,700 nautical miles* from Sumatra*. A cargo container rams into* the boat by accident, destroying its navigation* and communication equipment and leaving a hole in the boat just above waterline.

    As the only sailor makes repairs, a storm hits, further destroying the boat. With only a few things he can use — including a life raft* and a bag marked with the words “Survival Equipment” — Our Man must take action quickly.

    Writer and director J.C. Chandor focuses on* the simple story. The camera rarely* leaves Redford or his point-of-view, except to emphasize how lonely he is. The movie’s focus on physical labor, on how difficult it is to climb a mast*, makes people think of Hemingway’s “The Old Man and the Sea.”

    The film has moments of beauty, but it feels cold. The only real question is whether or not Redford’s character will live on. Finding answers to yachting problems may be interesting, for a while.

    Or you may find yourself looking for answers. Is the fact the cargo container held sneakers* a comment* on the world economy? When Redford says, “I tried to be strong...I will miss you, I am sorry,” is he saying goodbye to his audience? What is the point of survival tales, especially when they are not true stories? (SD-Agencies)