Tesla": A Movie Review of the Unusual

Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The forum discussion centers on the movie "Tesla," starring Ethan Hawke, which is described as an unusual blend of historical fiction and modern storytelling techniques. The film features a narrator, JP Morgan's daughter, who breaks the fourth wall and shifts through time, creating a unique viewing experience. The reviewer expresses frustration over the film's karaoke scene featuring "Everybody Wants to Rule the World" by Tears for Fears, ultimately rating it 4/10 and recommending "The Current War" as a superior alternative.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of historical fiction as a film genre
  • Familiarity with the life and contributions of Nikola Tesla
  • Knowledge of modern cinematic techniques, such as breaking the fourth wall
  • Awareness of the cultural impact of 1980s music, specifically Tears for Fears
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the historical accuracy of "Tesla" compared to real events
  • Explore the filmography of Ethan Hawke and his role choices
  • Analyze the use of modern music in historical films
  • Watch "The Current War" to compare storytelling techniques
USEFUL FOR

Film enthusiasts, historians interested in cinematic portrayals of historical figures, and viewers seeking to understand the impact of modern storytelling in historical narratives.

russ_watters
Mentor
Insights Author
Messages
23,789
Reaction score
11,223
Anybody see the movie "Tesla" staring Ethan Hawke? It's...interesting. I'm almost finished with it, but got so angry I had to post this for validation...

As historical fiction goes, it seems pretty good. But the movie's style is... unusual. It has a narrator who is JP Morgan's daughter and Tesla's girlfriend(?), who jumps back and forth through the fourth wall and time to talk to us. Ok. And some of the "sets" make it look like a play, acted in front of a painted backdrop of a historical photo. Weird, but whatever. And the soundtrack is oddly modern or maybe has gotten more modern throughout the movie? Whatever, it's dumb but people do that now.

But where I draw the line and hold back the urge to snap the disc in half is when he starts doing Karaoke of "Everybody Wants to Rule the World" by Tears for Fears at what I can only hope is the end of the movie (it's on pause while I write this). I mean, it's a great song, but...what? Seriously, WTH am I watching??!

4/10, would recommend "The Current War" instead.

Edit:
Oh, you don't believe me? Well believe this, Pierpont!:

Tesla.jpg


Edit2:
Oh, awesome, it's a full-fledged music video. And nope, the movie's not even over.
 
Last edited:
Physics news on Phys.org
Wait, you posted a video, but not a link to what you are watching about Tesla? Or did I miss the link to the Tesla thing? You know how big a fan I am of Tesla...
 

Similar threads

Graduate Review in Nature by Geoff Brumfiel
  • · Replies 0 ·
Replies
0
Views
3K