"I am David" (2003) - Movie Review

“I am David” directed by Paul Feig is an adaptation from the acclaimed novel “North to Freedom” by Anne Holm. The story is about the journey of young boy named David, who escapes from the concentration camp. It elaborates the journey of the young kid towards a destiny he knows but does not know the reason for it. The movie attempts to explain those reasons through the characters he meets.

I would like to say that, the character of David and his journey inspires hope and freedom but unfortunately the movie fell short by many yards and fails to create the flair and substance required for a sentimental and moving piece. All the characters are paper thin and are not profound enough for the viewer to associate with them easily. A story like this needs more time to grow with the ongoing characters the boy encounters along with the viewers. For unknown reasons, the director decided to go on with an hour and a half movie which diminishes the chances of knowing the situation and personalities in depth within those short period of time. Moreover, the movie should have generated a comparison of David in and out of the camp which would have made the viewer feel the change in better dimension.

The saving grace of the movie is three things which are the location, cinematography and back ground score. It would have been quite a challenge for the composer Stewart Copeland with a totally bland movie like this to give the feel it needs. Cinematographer Roman Osin provides a beautiful tour of the fresh and vibrant Italy. There is not much to do with respect to editing since the base screenplay lacks the solid stature of crispy clean plan which makes a movie stand firm.

Ben Tibber as David needs to go a long way when it comes to acting. Neither does his mono emotion face brings the character the void of love he is missing nor does his acting skills compliment those to make viewers empathize with character of David. Jim Caviezel as Johannes, the friend of David in his camp could have been given more screen time so that he would have been able to salvage the movie but they denied it. Since there is not much scope for any other actors/actresses, no one makes that impact.

The movie tries to explore the reasons for David’s emotionless and confused stature. It tries to show the viewer that how it would have been for a young boy out of harsh concentration camp with confined knowledge towards the society and his perception towards the outer world and his reaction. It also tries to show the transformation or an attempt by David to find solace and peace by mingling with the people against the advice given to him as “Trust No One” and his battle to adhere to both of those. It tries and tries and it just did not reach there on opposite to what David does in the movie.

“I am David” could have been a moving and touching film. It could have created the impact of what David Lynch’s “The Straight Story” created or Frank Darabont’s “The Shawshank redemption” excelled but it gives a very ordinary, predictable, fairy tale and cartoonish character creation which never comes up to the par.

“I am David” is like the colourful reddish blossoming soda every kid longs for and with all eager when they drink it, they realize it is tasteless and bland but did not want to admit to others and acts enjoying it. Well, I am no kid.

(Thanks to Mathi for Proof Reading and Corrections)