★★★★½

Silence (2016)

Written by Dalton Welsh - September 22, 2020

Perhaps the most underappreciated work in the catalogue of Martin Scorsese’s filmography is his 2016 historical epic “Silence”. A passion project of Scorsese’s that’s development dates over 25 years but made a mere $23.7 million against its $50 million budget. The film follows two Portuguese priests in the 17th century who venture to Japan in search of their missing mentor who is rumoured to have publicly renounced his religion. With a beautiful visual aesthetic distinct from Scorsese’s other work, perfectly meditative editing, and compelling performances all in service of a study upon morality, faith, and purpose.

While religion plays a big part in the film it is more used as an entry point to cover more core human themes. Questioning if staying true to your beliefs and values should be encouraged if it means great suffering for others or for yourself. Asking, what are we striving towards? do we place an appropriate amount of importance on it? and is it worthwhile in the end if it must come at great sacrifice. Ultimately making for a study of perspective, how for better or for worse, our experiences and struggles shape and inform who we are and how we approach the trials and tribulations of our existence.

We see these themes and ideas explored so intimately through the journeys of our central characters, particularly our protagonist Rodrigues played by Andrew Garfield. It has certainly been done before, the journey of a character whose purity is tested by the grim reality of their world, but it’s resonance is nonetheless still effective. Being such a long film, clocking in at nearly 3 hours, Scorsese dwells on scenes for longer, while for some this may cause the film to drag, it makes the development of Rodrigues more gradual and makes for an ultimately more compelling evolution for his character. Further elevated by Andrew Garfield whose performance communicates so much sorrow, passion and determination. The supporting cast also do a stellar job with Adam Driver as Rodrigues’ fellow priest Garupe, giving a more understated but equally emotionally convincing performance. As well as Liam Neeson as the priests’ mentor Father Ferreira, while he has limited screen time in the film, he is still able to convey great command and complexity.

On the technical side of things, the editing of the film is another of its strengths. As mentioned, the film is on the longer side at 2 hours and 41 minutes which gives the film the feel of a historical epic you might of found in the 50s and 60s, its setting in Japan making association with Akira Kurosawa inevitable. This length also means that pacing is a very important consideration. While admittedly there are points where the film drags a touch, it is always kept interesting. With a slower pace to the film it allows the audience to further engross themselves in the film, as the spiritual, emotional and physical suffering of our characters is prolonged.

Then there is the fantastic cinematography from director of photography Rodrigo Prieto. With a setting of 17th century Japan the production alone gives the film a great visual aesthetic, with the lush green hills and forests of Japan as the backdrop. Again, similar to Kurosawa, Scorsese makes great use of weather, particularly rain, to add greater authenticity to the world as well as create shots that are visually satisfying and complex. The cinematography itself succeeds in the thematically rich framing, with many scenes devoid or having limited dialogue the mise-en-scene of our characters speaks volumes, and also works aesthetically even if the thematics were removed. Additionally, the way the camera moves with constant leisurely tracking shots through scenes or following characters really gives the film its ponderous pace as well as giving you a clear understanding of the environment.

Perhaps Scorsese’s greatest film since his 1990 classic Goodfellas, he has again ventured out from his higher energy crime films to create something more contemplative. While about religion, it stays objective instead vowing to more broadly study the human condition and how our experiences shape our beliefs. Despite the broad nature of the themes, the intimacy of the film is still maintained thanks to an intense but melancholic performance from lead actor Andrew Garfield. Supported by equally stellar performances from Adam Driver and Liam Neeson. The journey of these characters beautifully realised through a slow but nonetheless engrossing pace, and compelling camera work enhanced by the aesthetically pleasing environment and setting. Even nearing his 80s, Scorsese continues to show versatility and dedication to the craft of filmmaking.