Where one door closes, another one opens. Directed by Kogonada (“Pachinko”), “A Big, Bold, Beautiful Journey” takes risks with a surrealist, atmospheric approach to self-discovery. Starring Margot Robbie and Colin Farrell, the romantic fantasy released in theaters on Sept. 19.
Sarah and David, whose full names and origins the film never specifies, embark on journeys through each other’s pasts. After meeting at a wedding, the two realize they used the same rental car service. When the GPS tells David to pick up Sarah, the car leads them to doors from each of their memories. As they process significant moments from their own lives, they also learn to understand each other. The film is carried by the emotional weight of complicated parent dynamics and emotional roadblocks.
The film immediately zones in on a retro feel, using classic romantic cinema styles to create an otherworldly atmosphere. Examples of this include the constant pattern of umbrellas and the changing weather, the consistent use of blue, red and yellow throughout the film, and other symmetrical visuals that wouldn’t occur in our natural world. The only hint to reality is a stop at Burger King, which is characterized by the use of the same primary colors — red, blue and yellow.
Although the film takes risks with a unique stylistic approach, awkward pacing with far-too-unrealistic dialogue makes for a less immersive experience. Dialogue that feels excessive and lacks emotional depth overshadows many touching scenes in an attempt to speed up what was lacking in character development. While Robbie and Farrell eventually capture the audience with engaging displays of the human experience, the character development seems somewhat forced at times.
Despite this, audiences will be able to grasp the film’s ultimate goal to tell a timeless story, with references to films such as “Singing in the Rain” and a scene that features Farrell reliving his high school production of “How to Succeed in Business Without Trying.” Another scene takes place in an empty, dark museum, where Sarah and David use only flashlights to look through the paintings of Sarah’s childhood memories. Scenes like these contribute to character development and emotional depth more than other aspects.
The score, composed by Japanese composer Joe Hisaishi in his first-ever non-Japanese film release, strengthens a timeless narrative, shaping the story between light, melodic moments and heavy, heartfelt moments. The soundtrack also features singer-songwriter Laufey, who recently released her third studio album A Matter of Time.
From Laufey’s track, the film features the original song for the film, “The Risk,” which stands out from the rest. The track delicately emphasizes the importance of reaching back into the past to process and move forward to new risks, whether in romance or not. Laufey’s dreamy, timeless style contributes to the film with her recognizable voice and jazz sound.
Despite uneven pacing and overdrawn dialogue, Koganada’s vision, layered performances from Robbie and Farrell and Hisaishi’s evocative score create a lingering, therapeutic feeling with a strong message.
3 opened doors out of 5
