Get ready for a cinematic ride like no other as director Julian Schnabel whisks audiences away on a wild adventure through the Renaissance world of poetry and power struggles. In 'In the Hand of Dante', the boundaries between art, crime, and history are blissfully blurred in a way that's both mesmerising and thought-provoking. This daring tale is loosely based on Nick Tosches' novel, but don't let the word "loosely" fool you – it's a bold reimagining that will keep you guessing until the very end.
The film masterfully weaves together two timelines as Oscar Isaac takes on the dual role of Dante Alighieri in 14th-century Florence and Nick Tosches in post-9/11 America. It's a mind-bending juxtaposition, but one that somehow works like a perfectly crafted jigsaw puzzle. While Tosches navigates the treacherous world of organised crime, the poet Dante is grappling with his own artistic demons, crafting the masterpiece 'The Divine Comedy'.
The modern-day narrative is where things get truly electric, as Tosches (Isaac) finds himself caught up in a deadly game involving a priceless lost manuscript. In a nod to its unpredictable nature, this plot twist is expertly handled by Joe Black's (John Malkovich) sinister yet suave presence – think 'The Godfather' meets 'The Divine Comedy'. It's here that Gerard Butler steals the show as Louie, an unhinged hitman with a penchant for the dramatic. His scene-stealing performance is as intense as it is mesmerising, making him the perfect foil to Tosches in this high-stakes game of cat and mouse.
Butler's triple threat – playing Pope Boniface VIII, Louie, and Tosches in separate timelines – is nothing short of breathtaking. His portrayal of Louie, in particular, showcases his incredible range as an actor. One chilling scene has him confronting a bar owner with what can only be described as 'satanic relish', leaving the viewer both disturbed and impressed. These early interactions between Louie and Tosches, set against the backdrop of Joe Black's office (which boasts an authentic Rembrandt painting), are some of the film's most captivating moments – think dark comedy meets high art.
While not all critics have been won over by the film's conclusion, there's no denying that Gerard Butler's performance is its shining star. He's the reason why 'In the Hand of Dante' feels like a wild ride from start to finish. And he's not alone – this talented cast also boasts cameos from industry legends Martin Scorsese and Al Pacino, adding an extra layer of intrigue to this ambitious production.
Source: UK film review publications