A Captivating Blend of Sight and Emotion: Scent of a Woman
Charlie Simms, a prep school student, agrees to take care of blind, retired Colonel, Frank Slade, over Thanksgiving in Scent of a Woman. It begins as a simple job, but quickly turns into a quest to the limits of human emotion and struggle, and the movie explores the currents of vision (real and metaphorical), redemption and the moral quagmires of choosing to do. It is a poignant – yet a positive – tone, giving the viewers a look into a bitter sweet lifes point and view.
This is an extraordinary performance by Al Pacino as Frank Slade, a character that gives a twinkle of vulnerability and strength simultaneously. The innocence of both Charlie and Chris O’Donnell as Charlie is much needed and equally impressive.|On one hand, Martin Brest crafts a film that’s both a feast for the eyes and the soul. All this is done with a just right balance of drama and sentiment on display, through the films highs and lows, with a heavy hand on the wheel.
The film’s music is hauntingly beautiful and beautifully accentuated with Thomas Newman’s score. The iconic tango scene is a celestial blend of visual and musical art.
The cinematography complements the storyline splendidly, capturing New York’s vibrant allure and the intimacy of personal despair with equal brilliance.
The production design enhances the narrative beautifully, with settings reflecting the films thematic depth, varying from the lavish Waldorf-Astoria to the modest home of Franks relatives.
Though not heavily reliant on special effects, the film uses them subtly to enhance key moments, ensuring a more immersive experience.
The films editing sharpens its narrative force, ensuring fluid transitions between moments of tension and introspection.
Despite its lengthy runtime, the film never feels sluggish, with its steady pacing allowing for a profound exploration of its intricate characters and themes.
The dialog is sharp and engaging, housing some of the films most memorable quotes. Pacino’s monologues are cutting with emotional authenticity, they burn.|There are those who would say that some scenes could be cut to tighten the story. But every moment builds, so excess for that moment is forgivable, almost expected, anyway.
Scent of a Woman is a character piece fresh grown, rooted, and perched atop emotion alone. It hits a chord so deep, not just engagingly, but telling an engagingly true story that will linger long after the credits roll, making you wonder at the elusiveness of human dignity and identity.
