A new film, “Magellan,” directed by Lav Diaz and starring Gael García Bernal, presents a 163-minute depiction of 16th-century colonialism. The film focuses on the Portuguese explorer Ferdinand Magellan and the consequences of his voyages, portraying both the “ugliness and mind-curdling greed” and a sense of “wonderment” surrounding the era.
A New Perspective on Conquest
The film diverges from traditional narratives of conquest, which often emphasize excitement and power. Instead, it aims to show the “madness” inherent in colonial endeavors. Diaz employs long takes and deliberate pacing to create a visceral experience for the viewer.
The narrative begins with an Indigenous woman’s warning – “I saw a white man!” – followed by scenes of violence on the shores of the Malaysian peninsula. Magellan, portrayed by Bernal, is initially depicted as a participant in this “subjugation machinery,” though he harbors ambitions beyond the “venal greed” of his superiors, who proclaim a desire to “suffocate the entire world!” and eradicate Islam.
Magellan’s Journey and Transformation
The film follows Magellan’s trajectory from a disregarded figure in Lisbon to securing support from Spain for a voyage to the East’s spice islands. This journey requires him to leave behind his pregnant wife, Beatriz. A 45-minute sequence details the brutal realities of this multiyear circumnavigation, characterized by paranoia, starvation, and despair.
The film highlights a shift in Magellan’s character, from obsessive curiosity to the enforcement of Christian conversion. This transformation is conveyed through Bernal’s performance, captured in long, distanced shots. The film contrasts Magellan’s mindset with that of Enrique, a Malay slave who becomes a translator, and whose experience is described as one of “unrooted ache.”
Throughout the film, “spiritual wailing” is a recurring motif, representing the anguish of those impacted by colonization – from Indigenous people to the wives of sailors awaiting news of their husbands’ fates.
Availability
“Magellan,” in Portuguese, Spanish, Cebuano and French with subtitles, is currently playing at Landmark’s Nuart Theatre, opening Friday, Jan. 9. The film is not rated and has a running time of 2 hours and 43 minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the central theme of “Magellan”?
The central theme is the painful legacy of colonialism, presented through a depiction of its stark realities and the psychological impact on both colonizers and the colonized.
Who plays Ferdinand Magellan in the film?
Gael García Bernal stars as Ferdinand Magellan.
How is the film described in terms of its cinematic style?
The film is described as “slow cinema,” characterized by long takes, deliberate pacing, and a lack of melodrama, creating a visceral and immersive experience.
How might a film like “Magellan,” which re-examines historical narratives, influence contemporary understandings of colonialism and its lasting effects?
Worth a look