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‘Tesla’ Review – Not Your Average Biopic

Synopsis:

Brilliant, visionary Nikola Tesla fights an uphill battle to bring his revolutionary electrical system to fruition, then faces thornier challenges with his new system for worldwide wireless energy.

When the conversation of electricity comes up, many praise Thomas Edison. However, those of us who know better bring up Nikola Tesla, and for good reason. We all know that history favors winners but often times a few people slip through the cracks. See, Edison was a showman, a brand ambassador for his own brand, and a wealthy one at that. Not unlike some of our social influencers of today, when he did something, he made sure everyone knew he had done it even if he had stolen the idea. Inversely, Tesla cares very little about money and would rather his inventions help people than to get rich because of them. However, in a capitalistic society, his reclusive nature coupled with his grand ideas aren’t exactly a successful pair. Tesla is not your average biopic. While you still get a lifelong timeline, it’s not your typical birth to death storyline. Narrated in a unique fashion, we get some playful scenarios that didn’t historically happen, and some high concept microdose cut scenes. Instead of trying to fit an entire life of innovation in under two hours, Tesla centers on Nikola’s drive and passion. The film is eccentric, cheeky, and alluring. Having said that, Ethan Hawke’s portrayal of Tesla is more compelling than the story itself. Hawke along with Eve Hewson have interesting chemistry that keeps you interested. The tone of the film is as ominous as the inventor’s demeanor. The film’s attempt at an unconventional biopic is commendable and is on the edge of finding fantastic. I can’t say the film is completely electric but some sparks do fly. Its rewatchability is medium.

Plot & Pace

The story follows Nikola Tesla’s life as he becomes one of the greatest innovative minds and attempts to usher in a wireless energy future. Narrated by the woman who loved him most, Anne Morgan, this offbeat rendition of a biopic explores the drive of a man who saw the future like no one else. Not quite getting too in-depth into all of his work, the film focuses purely on the determination of Tesla and the things that made him tick. The film’s pace is like a mellow afternoon walk during an overcast with random skipping involved.

Characters & Chemistry

Ethan Hawke did not disappoint as Nikola Tesla. He really sold the humorless, genius recluse that Tesla was. It’s not easy to make someone with a colorless personality captivating but Hawke executes it well. You can’t help but feel bad for Anne Morgan (Eve Hewson) as it is clear she is deeply infatuated with Tesla but innovation is his only love. Morgan fawns over him for years to no avail. You can even hear the admiration J.P. Morgan’s daughter has for Tesla as she narrates the story. The chemistry between the two is cold as Tesla tends to treat her as a groupie. He knows that she adds value to his life but the path he has chosen has no room for another person in a romantic capacity.

Tesla became available today in theaters and on VOD. Enjoy and stay safe.

Director: Michael Almereyda

Writer: Michael Almereyda

Rated: PG-13

Runtime: 1h 42m

Rating: 3.5 out of 5

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e4U-23TOKms]