Youth Without Youth

Starring: Tim Roth, Alexandra Maria Lara, Matt Damon (uncredited)
Directed by: Francis Ford Coppola
Rating: R
Genre: Drama, Romance, Thriller
2007

Times Seen:
Tim: 1

Summary: An elderly scholar (Tim Roth) is struck by lightning. Miraculously, he not only survives, but reverts to age 35, and does not age for decades. While evading capture by NAZIs, he sets out to finish his life's work, meeting a beautiful woman (Alexandra Maria Lara) whom may be the key to helping him finish.

Review:

Tim: This film marks the first directorial effort for Francis Ford Coppola in 10 years. The man is a legend, but he's rusty. You can tell. This film definitely has many of Coppola's strengths, but the movie itself ultimately becomes disappointing.

The story itself is fascinating- a man reverts to age 35 and stops aging. This works, but there's so many other elements at play- kind of a psychological split personality, NAZIs, reverting consciousness to previous lives, and much more. Ultimately, there's too much in this film, and it leaves the audience shaking its head. (I should note here that I'm not saying this film is above audiences or too complicated for audiences. There's a way to do this right. Coppola just doesn't find that path here).

Tim Roth gives a very good performance, but I'm not sure if he is leading man material. I believe he's much more effective in supporting roles. Alexandra Maria Lara gives an excellent performance. She had quite a meaty role, and pulled all of it off flawlessly. Watch for an uncredited role by Matt Damon (this guy is everywhere!). The cast as a whole is decent, but not spectacular.

Youth Without Youth is a brave film for taking some truly big chances. The film is unconventional, and doesn't pander to the audience at all. However, Coppola could have tightened the film up a bit. There are too many scenes that wander, and too many opportunities for powerful scenes that just fall flat. My favorite scenes of the movie occur in the third act, specifically with the origin of languages. This all gets lost in the shuffle, especially when the film gears up for its ultimately unsatisfying conclusion. Coppola should get credit for giving us such a unique film, but loses points because the movie should have been better.

Rating 1-10
Tim's Rating: 4.5



If You Enjoyed This Movie, We Recommend: The Godfather, The Rainmaker, Bram Stoker's Dracula