By: Keeland Bowers
“Virtual Revolution,” a visually stunning opening, sprawling over lush green landscapes- while hovering slightly above a soaring dragon, “Virtual Revolution” depicts the whimsical journey that is about to unravel. However, Five minutes into this sci-fi fantasy, it becomes apparent that this journey will not be as anticipated. Even with it’s opulent opening and keen attention to Neo-Steampunk world-building detail, “Virtual Revolution” offers a new age mash-up of “Total Recall” meets “The Fifth Element”.
The underscored stars of this film are its beautiful imagery, the virtual realities, and floating islands that appear seamlessly. An almost believable Neo-Paris, complete with sky-scraping buildings and over-crowded Airways leaving the viewer to revel in the beauty of its bleakness. Characters were dressed in garb that seemed of the world that was portrayed on-screen, a seething underbelly with the gadgets to match.
However, the film is not without its drawbacks. In an allegorical action movie that asks: “Do people really want to be free?” the action sequences often appear to be elongated, over-choreographed, and sometimes improbable. Moments that could be jam packed with even more tension and perilous anticipation are simply not. Even in the online fantasy world of the connected I found myself more interested in the beautiful effects and sprawling landscapes than the conflicts themselves. However, the feats of physicality on that part of these fine cast of actors is quite impressive. And when it comes to the relationship with our protagonist, Nash (Mike Dopud), self-fulfilling monologues never give us the opportunity to form our own sense of empathy or emotion. At time, unfortunately, characters seem to talk at each other instead of to each other. In the words of Nash himself: “I’m suspecting this incredibly long winded monologue has a point”.
The high point of the movie was the interrogation of Morel (Maximilien Poullein) by Agent Stilson (Jochen Hagele). The sadistic interaction of the Agent and Morel renders the viewer gripping their seat. In a scene in which the tension is palpable, and the threat appears real, we witness one of the more interesting moments of this action movie that doesn’t require any action at all. A crafty bit of directing on behalf of Guy-Roger Duvert, the viewer, is subjected to a sense of omnipotence that renders us just as uncomfortable as Morel.
“Virtual Revolution” has so many plot twists and red herrings the indefinite resolution leaves you scratching your head asking: “Did that really just happen?” Even down to the last seconds, where all cards are on the table and all bets are off, the film keeps you on your toes. So much so, that by the time you realize the credits have started rolling you’re not quite sure who really won.
All that being said, the visual effects, costumes, as well as the set designs were clearly the break-out stars of this film. The attention to detail to every costume and the visual appearance of each set, down to the accessories that the characters wore, truly made you feel as if this world could be alive and that the Revolution was real. However, in a movie that asks us to think about our connection to the world at large, some viewers may find “Virtual Revolution” to be disconnected.
For more information or to see Virtual Revolution please visit: /virtualrevolutionmovie.com/
Director: Guy-Roger Duvert
Writer: Guy-Roger Duvert
Stars: Mike Dopud, Jane Badler, Jochen Hägele |