The 2008 Fernando Meirelles (City Of God, The Constant Gardner) directed disaster, "Blindness" is arguably the worst apocalyptic/epidemic film I have seen in the span of my lifetime. If not cumulatively, "Blindness" is definitely the worst for the big budget production pool.
Over $25 million spent and an international recruitment of some very respectable and solid cast members, Julianne Moore (Children Of Men, Psycho) Danny Glover (The Color Purple, Lethal Weapon) Mark Ruffalo (Zodiac, Shutter Island) Gael Garcia Bernal (The Motorcycle Diaries, Y Tu Mama Tambien) and even the talented Yusuke Iseya (13 Assassins) still couldn't save the film from falling flat on it's face, possibly because the entire production crew was "blinded" by the false security they felt by spending so much and assembling this cast.
For the initial thirty minutes of "Blindness" I was pretty mesmerized by the originality in the story and how the events were unfolding, Iseya, Moore and Ruffalo had me from the gate, and that is rare for Moore, who I have only enjoyed in "Childeren Of Men."
However, I was not prepared for the sudden transition of the epidemic itself and the intensity of hostility that was being shown to these "infected" individuals. It was all too sudden, not with explanation until about least an hour later with Glover's character who did a terrible job with the attempt not only the summary, but in his ability to be a warm and caring elderly man that was supposed to be "cute."
The major flaw in the script was the failure to make a solid connection with the viewers and the characters, none of which carried a name. I understand the power and connection that was attempted with a blind film that might not have needed names, although mere numbers and minute backgrounds from a few characters aren't going to make some of their demises any more gripping.
I could actually go on for a few thousand words on what this film was not, so I will switch over to what was positive for a second. The filters used when filming and during post production were top notch, without a doubt and the score was pretty well thrown together as well. Moore did an outstanding job in the first half an hour, but once she got into her true role she was terrible as usual. It's easy to say that she is one of the most overrated actresses of this age.
The only humor that I found to be effective was when Garcia Bernal's character was able to access the p.a. system and started singing some Stevie Wonder. That was the highlight of "Blindness" for me.
Take my word for it, don't waste over two hours of your time on this film. It's an five year old film that I hadn't heard of until now and for good reason. Apparently it was an official opening night selection for the Cannes Film Festival, but after that I don't think anyone took much time with promoting this trash. It was probably a ploy to get so many actors together to guarantee a selection at that festival along with any others that they could get into. Stay away.
