reviewed by Rissi C.
     

There was a reason this film did not achieve immense success as a blockbuster, and instead took on the feel of a small time Indie production. It has its moments, but for the most part, you could blink and barely miss anything of importance.

Ever since she was a small girl, Amelia Earhart (Hillary Swank) has been fascinated with the skies. It is her ultimate ambition to soar above everything in that wide open space... and nothing is going to deter her from realizing those dreams. Even now, as she flies against a night sky in her first ever attempt to fly solo around the world, she remembers those dreams and the things of her life that have brought her to this crossroad…

Determination is Amelia’s middle name. Arrangements have been made to create a fan base in support of her joining a flight that will cross the ocean, as a passenger with the “appearance” of being a pilot. Her publisher George Putnam (Richard Gere) believes this will generate a media frenzy and only contribute to her success, but she has certain reservations. Putting them aside and making the flight only fuels her love of flying and in time she decides to make the trip again… only this time solo. Against the advice of George, whom she eventually marries, Amelia embarks on a second journey with the intention of making the last flight of her career a memorable one – this time by making a trip around the world.

The only thing that really attracted me to this production was the fact that it revolved around a historical figure that also remains one of the greatest mysteries of our time. After the final scene, the film provides brief snapshots and snippets of information to assist the audience in trying to form a conclusion as to what happened. I’d completely forgotten that no evidence was ever recovered to suggest Amelia crashed, despite one of the largest Coast Guard searches ever launched. What I did expect was a near guarantee that this wasn’t going to have a happy ending. Putting the facts and fictional matters into perspective makes one realize just what an incomplete story this actually turns out to be, but then in “embarking” on a topic like this, we already know it could promise nothing less. No one knows what actually happened to Amelia and the film makes no assumptions. Naturally, one must be indifferent to its melancholy aspects and see it as an independent film rather than a traditional “biopic.” Unfortunately, the fact that it was not particularly well made or edited means it has nothing other than the subject material to recommend it. It frankly never really realizes or lives up to its full potential. Its rough beginning prevents it from finding a secure footing but it does eventually come in for a smoother landing, regardless of the sad conclusion. Watching Amelia I kept wanting it to become a "good film" by creating better plot structures, but instead it persists in jumping about (from the early years to her ill-fated and historic flight), causing us never to be sure in what year or place we’re in. Furthermore, the font provided to assist us in dates and places is so hard to read that it proves distracting rather than helpful. The film does redeem itself somewhat in a strong conclusion that leaves the viewer believing the heroine is regretful in her wrong choices and did hold, if nothing else, a warm affection for the man who professed his love for her. But it is nothing less than depressing that the cast chose to approach the material as if Amelia knew her ultimate fate.

In comparison to many titles in the genre, the content is mild. Two scenes suggest an unmarried couple have spent the night together – once it’s more obvious, seeing him lying in bed bare-chested and she in lingerie walking about the room before sitting at the edge of the bed. Brief moments show a wedding night (showing a lot of skin as he runs his hands up her bare leg) and kisses. While, we never visually see evidence of an affair (apart from a passionate, lengthy kiss), it’s implied that a married woman conducts one; she eventually claims it is over, but her husband expresses some doubt. Profanity becomes more a nuisance than it should, including uses of Jesus’ name and various other non-religious references to God. Milder language concerns come in the form of profanities. Drinking is also something of a problem.

Apart from the needless content issues, young audiences won’t find this exciting. Before even ten minutes had passed, my first thought was how slow moving it was. Nearer the end it gains a bit of momentum but by then it has become somewhat depressing. Most of the actors give strong portrayals but Hilary Swank is miscast. I’ve no thoughts for anyone who could have played it better, but apart from her physical resemblance to the real Amelia, I cannot see how she obtained the part. I did not care for her in the role. Richard Gere and Ewan McGregor were both excellent. While not appearing in too many scenes, Mia Wasikowska (upcoming star of Alice in Wonderland) gives a remarkably good turn-out as an aspiring pilot who is determination not to be intimidated. I would have liked to have seen more of her.

Sadly, Amelia never seems to gain a balance, something it would have greatly benefited from. Things just don’t click into place. Even the characters are under developed, making it a waste of talent. Most of the secondary actors only have a handful of scenes, if even that, and as their introduction is hurried it’s never immediately clear who they are. While some of the flying scenes are less believable and are unmistakably filmed against a green screen, there are countless shots of gorgeous scenery that is breathtaking. If the story fascinates you, it’s possible you may find this a diverting way to spend the evening but as with anything everyone will have to decide on their own if this is worth the time. If you do choose to see it, be forewarned that it is a very slow moving drama. Amelia doesn’t deter one’s interest in its title character, only leaves disappointment in that she was not better represented.