Genocide is too serious for these phoney looks
THE PROMISE Cert 12A, 133 mins
THIS expensive, independently financed epic concerned with the genocide of 1.5 million Armenians, orchestrated by the leaders of the Ottoman Empire during the First World War, is the very definition of worthy. That the Turkish government is still in denial about these atrocities is shocking. That Terry George’s film has been targeted by internet trolls is a disgrace.
So what’s the film like? Damn, I was hoping you wouldn’t ask. The sets look phoney. The relentlessly sun-dappled skies are naff. The “action” lacks momentum and Tom Hollander’s eyeliner is mad.
There’s a love triangle, naturally. In Constantinople, hard-working Armenian medical student Mikael (Oscar Isaac), falls for free-spirited Armenian dance teacher Ana (Charlotte Le Bon), who’s knocking boots with American journalist Chris (Christian Bale).
Isaac and Le Bon dutifully swap inane grins while Bale, (hollow-eyed, as is his wont), seems under the impression that this film is really all about Chris. Only in the scenes between Mikael and Maral (Angela Sarafyan), the pretty but gollum-faced rich girl our hero is betrothed to, is any real emotion conveyed.
Other supporting players (Marwan Kenzari, Stewart Scudamore) also do good work but lack the space to make a real impression. The whole thing feels so rootless. That vibe suits a certain kind of viewer but they tend to want slickness as part of the package. It’s so sad. Proceeds from this film are going to various non-profit organisations. These charities probably shouldn’t count those chickens, because they’re unlikely to hatch.