Mel Gibson was offered the part of William Wallace but Gibson was so moved by Wallace’s true life story that the actor pushed to direct the film as well. Though historical accounts for the real William Wallace are understandably sketchy, (this is 13th century we’re talking about), there was enough basis in fact for Gibson to draw from to create one compelling and memorable film.
For instance, Wallace’s wife was in fact slain in an effort to provoke him into fighting and Wallace did in fact meet an untimely end in even more barbaric terms than Gibson chose to depict in this film. Some dialogue was even replaced and gore framed out of the picture in the final reel because “women were running out of the theater”, according to Gibson. Mel Gibson studied several epic war films, including Spartacus, but wanted to take the action scenes one step further on film than anyone had before him. Thanks to the outstanding stunt work of Simon Crane, the action sequences of Braveheart are still unequaled.
Gibson stars as William Wallace, a man at the head of Scotland’s revolt against tyrannical English rule. He didn’t want the responsibility, but through a tragic turn of events feels compelled to take up the fight to free his homeland. And in a country where the aristocracies rule only to please the English monarchy, there’s little else to turn to except the people, who must fight for their own independence. From one battle to the next, Wallace and his ever growing band of outnumbered freedom fighters lead an insurrection. Soon Wallace’s stature grows to that of a man of near-mythical stature, which is only fueled by his unpredictability and unwillingness to bend to the tyrannical political system.
Performances are very good by all the artists, Catherine McCormack (Murron) looks beautiful with the softness around the eyes, the picture perfect, disarming smile. The kind and gentle spirit. She is not a classic beauty in the sense as Sophie Marceau is but she is fresh, natural and very appealing. Outstanding performance by Patrick McGoohan as Edwards the Longshanks. His eyes are used to great effect. U can never tell what he is thinking, until he lashes out in violence. Sophie Marceau as the French bride is captivating. She is indeed French. The guy with the laugh and best lines is Stephen the Irishman, played superbly by David O Hara.
Randall Wallace deserves credit for writing an excellent script. Actually he wrote this movie, while he had gone to Scotland and saw the huge statue of William Wallace, surprised at seeing his own last name, he asked who was this man. “He is the hero of Scotland’s history” came the reply from his guide and the writer’s research into William Wallace began.
Technical Part:
Photography: Outstanding camera work by John Toll. The scenery captured on film is breathtaking. Sharpness is perfect; images have a very natural, smooth quality to them. Detail is excellent as well, the colors in general; the greens of the grass; the skies; etc, they all look stunning. Beyond it all, I must say that Toll creates images here that not only are beautiful, but are well-composed and draw in the viewer. Detail is excellent with intricate things like the cracks of the blue face paint on Gibson during the battle scenes and the finely textured hair on all the characters. This extends to every other aspect of the picture as well with superb image depth that, at times, appears as though you could stick your hand into the screen. Each shot during the ferocious battle sequences (aided by fantastic editing by Steven Rosenblum) features a crushing blow then quickly moves on to the next bloody clash. Unlike the jerky camera movements of some recent films, we see the carnage, but it moves by so quickly that there is no time to dwell on the shocking display we just saw. These are amongst the most violent and bloody images depicted on film, but amazingly, they don’t seem gratuitous, they simply appear brutally honest. In fact this is the movie that set the model for action scenes which was further enhanced in Saving Private Ryan.
Sound Design: Although much of the film is not exactly as aggressive as some action movies, the sound creates a convincing and enveloping environment. Even in the quieter moments, the fantastic James Horner score comes into the scene, and it’s warm, rich quality makes it a particularly pleasing inclusion when it arrives. In many of the less intense sequences, the ambient sounds and background details are very clear and natural, as well. The track is very well balanced with strong, natural sounding dialog and effects. Extension to the left and right in the front soundstage is impressive with excellent stereo effects and directionality. Surrounds are used both aggressively and subtly to convey the accurate mood in the scenes with great depth and imaging. Note the sound in the rear channels when the dead bodies are hanging and young William comes thru the door, elsewhere the surrounds are utilized very well and the thuds of bodies and clanging of weapons and armor are solid and convincing. Pay special attention to the galloping horse hooves during the dream sequence of the nobleman, haunted by his treachery to Wallace, the sound effects are thunderous and penetrating. Well deserved Academy award for the team.
Direction and Acting: Mel Gibson lives the role of William Wallace. U can virtually see him as William Wallace. He makes a film that has all: Romance, drama, action, a touch of comedy, but most of all, passion. Deep passion is what accompanies and shows in every frame of this unforgettable film. The kind of passion that is so involving that it makes you feel something in the experience of watching it. With only his second turn behind the camera, Gibson managed to make an epic that eclipsed not only his past films as an actor but also a film that even the master directors like Hitchcock, Ford or Spielberg would have been proud to make. The seemingly disparate thematic elements ant tonal shifts Gibson juggles should work against each other, but instead somehow serve to make a truly great film. Not only is it an epic adventure with some of the most grandiose battle and action scenes ever placed on film, but it’s also a poignant romance, a wrenching drama, and even manages to have some huge laughs in between.
To his credit, Gibson treats the material with great respect and gusto, never resorting to caricature or irony. In the end, Mel Gibson got just about everything right with Braveheart. When the Oscars were handed out that year, the film walked off with five, including Best Director and Best Picture. In my estimation, Gibson not only deserved that award, but also created one of the best pictures of all time.
Trivia note: It’s amazing to note that no animals or humans were injured in the filming of Braveheart with one notable exception, Gibson had accidentally hung himself (literally) and woke up surrounded by concerned cast and crew members after passing out after about three seconds of dangling from the noose. The quick reflexes of his alert crew saved Gibson from serious injury when they immediately reacted to the accident and cut him down the rope.
Gibson was offered the role in Gladiator but turned down saying he was too old for that, at least that is the official reason. Personally I think he just passed onto the job since he had already achieved his lifetime epic in braveheart and didn’t need to do it again and after experiencing braveheart who could blame him?