Contemporary 2021 Selection: Black Widow (2021)

 Cate Shortland's "Black Widow"


Cate Shortland's "Black Widow" tells the story of Natasha reuniting with her long lost family. Although they are not her biological family, they were the closest thing. Even if the structural framework and dialouge of the film is true to the Marvel format, there are a couple of interesting things Shortland does. 

The film seems to lean more into a typical 'action' film. One particular scene, the fight and chase sequences in Budapest, resemble something more akin to a Jason Bourne film. This is done with action occuring in tight spaces while a handheld camera is used. The only detraction to this (as well as for the rest of the film) is that both Natasha and her 'sister' Yelena appear invincible as they are falling great lengths and crashing their car without taking much damage. Other scenes, like the prison rescue scene, seem to resemble a sort of 90s action style, with big set pieces, a helicopter, and stylistic acrobatics. The climax sequence seems to still be in the vien of a tradional Marvel style.

The best part about the film is the likability of the supporting characters. Yelena, played by Florence Pugh, is both charasmatic and stern. David Harbour, who plays Alexei, is both funny and emotional. Rachel Weisz, who plays Melina, is both matronly and mysterious. These excellenct side characters provide a soft cushion for the action-driven story.

Overall, this film is very typical in the way a Marvel film operate. With flourishes of stylistic action, it presents as a solid family experience. 



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