'The New World': Old story, lusciously filmed

While Woody Allen makes a new film annually, which may be part of his problem, director Terrence Malick has made only four films (including Badlands, Days of Heaven and The Thin Red Line) over his 32-year career. He tortures over every frame in an obsessive attempt to achieve visual perfection.

Which may be part of his problem.

New Line Cinema 'The New World' C The verdict: A visually stunning but dramatically inert love story in pre-colonial Virginia. Director: Terrence Malick Starring: Colin Farrell, Christopher Plummer, Wes Studi, August Schellenberg, Raoul Trujillo, Q'Orianka Kilcher Run time: 135 minutes Release date: Jan. 20, 2006 Rating: PG-13 for some intense battle sequences. See showtimes On the web Official movie site View the trailer    Trailers require Quicktime Rate 'The New World'   Go see it   Make it a matinee   Wait to rent   Don't bother Voter Limit: Once per Hour View Poll Results

Fans of Malick's work will recognize his signature lyrical qualities in The New World, an artful history lesson delivered in sumptuous visuals, but dramatically the film is inert. For awhile, Malick's painterly images hold our interest. But as the familiar tale of British Captain John Smith in 1607 Jamestown, Virginia, and his rescue and subsequent relationship with teenage tribal princess Pocahontas fail to ignite, the visual proves insufficient.

Smith (Colin Farrell) arrives behind bars in the Euro-centrically proclaimed "new world," charged with mutiny. But he is released by Captain Newport (Christopher Plummer) to lead an expedition to the village of the natives. Captured but spared, Farrell spends his time communing with nature and with young Q'Orianka Kilcher in near-silent scenes that are bound — and perhaps intended — to bring to mind Adam and Eve. Eventually, Smith is recalled to England and replaced by John Rolfe (Christian Bale), who also is soon smitten with Pocahontas.

All of these roles are so underwritten that acting is almost beside the point. At least Farrell has a bold screen presence, and newcomer Kilcher — only 14 when The New World was filmed — projects a contrasting ethereal quality.

Shot on location and without the use of artificial lighting, this is surely the most authentic rendering of the first meeting of the English and the Native Americans.

What, you wanted something dramatic too?

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