The new Netflix film 'In the Hand of Dante,' directed by Julian Schnabel, has been characterized as an ambitious but ultimately confusing cinematic endeavor. The movie adapts Nick Tosches' 2002 novel of the same name, casting Oscar Isaac in dual roles as both the contemporary writer Nick Tosches and the 14th-century poet Dante Alighieri. The film also features Gal Gadot, Gerard Butler, John Malkovich, Al Pacino, and Jason Momoa in roles that span across different historical periods.
Narrative Structure and Setting
'In the Hand of Dante' employs a non-linear narrative, jumping between various time periods and locations. According to reviews, the film quickly transitions from 1302 Florence to 1998 Newark, 1969 Newark, 2001 Bora Bora, and 2001 New York City. The historical segments are presented in full color with a 1.33:1 aspect ratio, while the more recent settings are depicted in black and white on a wide screen. The central premise suggests a connection, possibly reincarnation, between the writer Tosches and Alighieri, with Isaac portraying both.
The bulk of the dramatic action is set in 2001. In this timeline, a hitman named Louie, played by Gerard Butler, is introduced. Louie, alongside Nick, is tasked by a mob-connected art dealer, Joe Black (John Malkovich), to retrieve an original manuscript of 'The Divine Comedy' from Italy. The manuscript is believed to be a unique, lost artifact.
Historical and Contemporary Threads
Meanwhile, in the 14th century, Dante is depicted as struggling with writer's block while in exile from Florence and unhappily married. He interacts with characters including a wise elder played by Martin Scorsese and Pope Boniface VIII, portrayed by Gerard Butler. These historical scenes are noted for their lengthy and ostensibly tedious conversations.
Back in the 21st century, Nick's efforts to authenticate the manuscript are complicated by its value and its questionable acquisition. He consults with an expert named Giulietta, also played by Gal Gadot, with whom he develops an instant romantic connection. The film also introduces a rival gangster, Rosario (Jason Momoa), who desires the manuscript.
Critical Reception
Reviewers have described the film as "singularly nuts" and "utterly berserk," drawing comparisons to 'The Da Vinci Code' but with a heightened sense of chaos. Gerard Butler's performance as the hitman Louie has been singled out as a highlight, balancing chilling menace with dark humor. However, other performances, such as Gal Gadot's, have been criticized as toneless.
The film's pacing has been a point of contention, with some finding its two-and-a-half-hour runtime to be slow-moving. The thematic reference to "tempus fugit" (time flies) is noted as ironic given the perceived sluggishness of the film. The execution of Schnabel's ambitious vision has been questioned, with some critics finding the plot convoluted, the characters impenetrable, and the dialogue difficult to decipher.
Despite the criticisms, the cinematography by Roman Vasyanov has been praised for capturing "agonies and ecstasies in two eras with vivid textures and a potent sense of dramatic scale." Oscar Isaac's commitment to his dual roles has also been acknowledged, even as the characters themselves are described as underwritten and emotionally opaque.
Ultimately, 'In the Hand of Dante' is presented as a film that demands a high tolerance for indulgence and unconventional storytelling. The consensus suggests that while the film's audacity is admirable in concept, its execution leaves much to be desired, making it a "confused array of nutty casting choices, sudden and shocking violence, mystifying plot labyrinths, restless time-hopping, and impenetrable characters."