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The Four Feathers

Starring Heath Ledger, Wes Bentley, Kate Hudson

Directed…

The Four Feathers

Starring Heath Ledger, Wes Bentley, Kate Hudson

Directed by Shekhar Kapur

Undoubtedly what will draw audiences to “The Four Feathers” is star Heath Ledger. He has already appeared in one 19th century military drama, (“The Patriot”) but this time instead of being killed by the British army, he’s dolled up just the way you’d want him in one of their smart red officer’s uniforms. At least at the beginning of the film.

The film is directed by Shekhar Kapur, who won great acclaim for 1998’s “Elizabeth” and features photography by Robert Richardson, who has collaborated with both Oliver Stone (“JFK,” “Platoon”) and Martin Scorsese (“Casino,” “Bringing Out the Dead”). Unfortunately, neither manages to live up to the former works.

The film opens in England where the dashing soldier Harry Feversham (Ledger) and his regiment discover that they are shipping out to Sudan to quell a native uprising. Harry is engaged to the beautiful Ethne (Kate Hudson) and is best friends with Jack (Wes Bentley). In a moment of doubt about Britain’s presence in Africa, Harry resigns his commission. In response, three of his comrades and Ethne – who also breaks off their engagement – send him four white feathers, which symbolize cowardice. Unable to live with his decision, Harry heads off to Africa to return to the boys their feathers and to prove that he’s no coward.

Once Harry reaches Africa, the film loses all semblance of structure because what was apparently a story about one soldier’s doubts about his nation’s imperialistic policies becomes an action-packed romp through the desert complete with prison escapes, rousing battles and even a little camel stabbing.

Richardson’s camera work, though occasionally producing breathtaking shots of the desert, is ultimately distracting. It is a wonder that such a skilled cinematographer could resort so often to slow motion close-ups with no apparent point.

And whatever happened to Harry’s snappy uniform? He spends most of his time in the desert in prison or starving to death. That’s not very cute.

All things considered, the film’s biggest problem is its inconsistencies. Occasional attempts at humor clash with James Horner’s militaristic, drum-filled score, which clashes with the brooding, shadowy interior shots making it difficult to figure out just what the filmmakers want to say. The actors portray their characters as well as they can, but the script’s character development is poor and many exchanges just seem awkward. In particular, Kate Hudson’s Ethne is convincing, but her character is especially vapid, making it hard to care about her.

If you’re looking for a costume drama in the vein of “Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves,” you can do worse than “The Four Feathers.” However, if you want substance, look elsewhere. And if you like your heartthrobs sans shackles and sallowness, I recommend a healthier Heath in “10 Things I Hate About You.”