The BBC recently referred to Nelson Mandela as 'the most revered man on planet Earth.' That is not an exaggeration, and it is that reputation that permeates Goodbye, Bafana and provokes an emotional response. I went on the journey with the film, and was moved, but I suspect more by the evocation of Mandela himself than by the craft of the filmmakers.
Fiennes is James Gregory, an unreformed bigot whose life is turned around by close proximity to Mandela. Fiennes handles the role comfortably, if unspectacularly. The less recognisable Diane Kruger is more convincing as a venal apologist for apartheid. The major question mark is Dennis Haysbert. He is never more than a competent actor playing Mandela. He never inhabits the role, the way Will Smith does Ali or Jamie Foxx Ray. Indeed, Mandela deserves to be portrayed the way Ben Kingsley portrayed Ghandi. No doubt such a film will come, and with it the eclipsing of Goodbye Bafana.
The film is not a failure, but neither is it a success. It is a decent attempt at telling a remarkable story. However, given that story, I expected so much more.
Fiennes is James Gregory, an unreformed bigot whose life is turned around by close proximity to Mandela. Fiennes handles the role comfortably, if unspectacularly. The less recognisable Diane Kruger is more convincing as a venal apologist for apartheid. The major question mark is Dennis Haysbert. He is never more than a competent actor playing Mandela. He never inhabits the role, the way Will Smith does Ali or Jamie Foxx Ray. Indeed, Mandela deserves to be portrayed the way Ben Kingsley portrayed Ghandi. No doubt such a film will come, and with it the eclipsing of Goodbye Bafana.
The film is not a failure, but neither is it a success. It is a decent attempt at telling a remarkable story. However, given that story, I expected so much more.