(spoiler free)
Buckle in, kids. This is going to be one bumpy ride.
‘Death Note’ (2017) is a fantasy psychological thriller based on the famous anime and manga series of the same name. Directed by Adam Wingard, the same individual who recently directed ‘Blair Witch’ (2016). Now, I don’t know about you, but there could be a potential pattern emerging for this guy’s career. But hey, I won’t judge, you keep your bills paid, pal.
The concept of ‘Death Note’ is simple in theory, a boy named Light finds a book that was dropped by a Shinigami, otherwise known as a Death God. Whilst having rules, the basic purpose of this book is that whoever’s name is written in the book shall die. The reason I say that it’s simple in theory, is that the source material focuses more on the characters than the concept. Focusing on moral questions, and what the power behind the book does to an individual’s psyche, opening up debates as to whether the ends justify the means and exploring the concept of absolute power corrupting absolutely.
Now is where I shall admit that I am quite the fan of Japanese animation. In fact, the original ‘Death Note’ series was the first anime that I ever watched. Opening my eyes to a whole new world of entertainment that I still enjoy to this very day. Thus, I will not be able to review this film without at least comparing it to its predecessor. However, I will give it creative liberties where it is due, as it is of course an adaptation for a Western audience of which a large portion have probably not seen the source material.
And thus, the review begins.
First, let’s briefly discuss the technical side of the film making. The cinematography and editing within this film are pretty damn good. Certain scenes are lit beautifully, whilst keeping the dark atmosphere. Shots are often at strange angles to keep quite a jarring feel throughout, and the pace of editing compliments it in a nice fashion. These tonal choices are often reminiscent to the anime, whilst also keeping it fresh and different. Projecting light and details in the ways that only a live-action piece can do.
Narratively, well. It has a lot of problems. The biggest problem being that instead of feeling like a movie, it just feels like a mad rush of scenes all of which rely on the story being told by pure coincidences. I shall admit though, this wasn’t a surprise when you consider the length of the source material. The beauty of a plethora of episodes is the ability to flesh out your characters in a much more defined way, something which I acknowledge can be difficult to achieve in the course of a 120 minute movie. That being said, due to this rush, a lot of the intrigue is completely thrown out of the window. There is less focus on moral and ethical dilemmas, with the film deciding to focus instead on Light trying to get his dick wet. You know, something we’ve NEVER seen before in ANY film EVER. Cough.
And now, oh boy, onto the characters. Quite frankly, I hate this films depiction of Light Yagami (Nat Wolff). I’m not sure whether it was terrible acting, or terrible direction, or possibly terrible writing, but he just doesn’t react to situations like a normal person. There are moments where he doesn’t emote at all, lending to a creepy, school-shooter vibe, and then there are moments where he overacts to situations as though he’s performing on stage at a comedy improv show. Either way, I find him incredibly frustrating to watch and would state that he is the worst part of the film.
Ryuk (the Death God) is an interesting one, whilst I adore the voice of Willem Dafoe for the character, I can’t help but imagine the Green Goblin talking to me, not this strange looking red-eyed giant who is ridden with leprosy. That being said, he is probably the best depiction of a character from the original anime series, and I only wish there was more of him. (It would have probably bumped the film up a rating or two)
In conclusion, the film is a fine meh. If you want to get lost in a true epic, watch the original Japanese animation. Whilst the film had some okay elements, it’s not going to be the top of any of my lists anytime soon. I will state though, that I am proud of their attempt and happy that they gave it a shot and tried. Failure shall become a lesson, and here’s hoping that someday, they will put all these lessons into a truly epic adaptation, the likes that have not been seen before.
Written by Jimmy Sherwood
Rating – 4/10
Question: What anime do you think would be the best for a Western adaptation?
(Leave your answers in the comments section below!)
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