Traversing the Centuries

It would be hard to pigeonhole this film in a particular genre. It begins in Cumbrian Mountains of Northwestern England in March 1348. A small village built around copper mines is anxiously awaiting the return of Conner (Bruce Lyons), who was sent out "into the world" on some sort of mission. His younger brother, Griffin (Hamish McFarlane), is a sort of seer and has frequent visions that are taken very seriously by the villagers. Conner returns with the news that the Black Death is on its way. Griffin has a vision that in order to save their village they need to travel to the other side of the earth, to a certain cathedral and place a cross upon its spire. Being the 14th century, this sounds totally reasonable to the rest and soon they send a group out on the quest.

After tunneling through the earth they find themselves in a 20th century city, perhaps in New Zealand. This leads to some horrifying encounters with traffic, trains and a submarine. But they run into some modern day metal workers who help them cast their cross and then it's off to the cathedral. Though there are a couple of twists toward the end, there are no real surprises. Which seems a little odd for a film this unconventional.

It is difficult to see what exactly Vincent Ward, who co-wrote as well as directed the film, had in mind. At one point he seems to be contrasting the faith that motivates the travelers with the cynicism of the modern-day metal workers. But this faith is so entwined with superstition, it is hard to see it as more than just another manifestation of their ignorance. Perhaps Ward means to say that our cynicism is the price we pay for our release from ignorance. Or maybe he isn't really trying to "say" anything.

This is a film that delves into the imagination and conjures up all sorts personal connections and no two people will have the same experience watching it. The Navigator is well worth a viewing and I highly recommend it to anyone with a serious interest in film.

-- Robert Stewart