A beautifully shot film exploring the controversy surrounding child diarist Opal Whitely. The author/director does a fine job of maintaining the ambiguities at the heart of Opal's story. The film's use of Opal's original words, coupled with a fine soundtrack and beautiful natural light and settings, give us a taste of Opal's ability to awaken in her audiences in the 1920's the power of our shared connection to the natural world. In the context of this story, the film also suggests how easily that connection to nature can be corrupted by money, power, and the intricacies of trying to please others. This film has a strong narrative and an ability to present the subtleties of a story. The film actually uses its medium--the visual--to let the story unfold, which is something that so often seems to be lacking in hit-you-over-the-head-with-it Big Hollywood fare. Bottom line: Interesting, very watchable, and thought-provoking film that left me wanting to know more about its provocative central character.
Review of Opal
Opal
(2010)
Beautifully shot film exploring the controversy surrounding child diarist Opal Whitely.
12 February 2012