Venturing into the cinematic portrayal of one of history's most electrifying figures, 'Tesla' (2020) is a film that aims to shine a light on the life and mind of the groundbreaking inventor, Nikola Tesla. Amidst the vivid historical landscape, with Thomas Edison and the curious Anne Morgan shaping the narrative, one might anticipate a surge of inspiration and insight. However, the film conducts itself more like a low-voltage current, lacking the spark to truly animate the fascinating tale it promises to tell.
At its core, the movie endeavors to navigate the tumultuous waters of Tesla's genius, his skirmishes and competitions with Edison, and the intimate if not complex relationship with Anne Morgan. It’s a tableau set against the backdrop of Tesla's novel contributions to the concept of electrical power and his ambitious forays into the science of light.
As for capturing the essence of boredom, 'Tesla' flickered with potential but ultimately delivered an experience that seemed to trudge rather than captivate. The pacing of the story seldom finds a rhythm that excites or drives the viewer's curiosity with the urgency one might expect from a tale about such a paradigm-shifting individual. Scenes that could energize with their content instead linger with a gentleness that borders on soporific, steeping the audience in anticipation for a climax or a conflict resolution that inches along too sluggishly.
The movie’s styling is a curious concoction of historical drama with anachronistic elements—perhaps an artistic choice meant to mirror Tesla's time-transcending genius but one that can come off as jarring and distract from the central narrative. While some may appreciate this quirky blending of times and moods, others might find it a factor in the film's tendency to drift rather than galvanize.
Despite the film's meandering tempo, credit must be given where due. The acting does provide occasional flashes of brilliance, with the cast delivering performances that are competent, though they are often hamstrung by a script that does not offer sufficient charge to truly illuminate their characters. It’s a saving grace that helps keep the film in the realm of mediocrity rather than descending into the abyss of forgetfulness.
All in all, 'Tesla' provides a viewing experience that is akin to a battery-operated device running on the last of its juice. It teeters on the edge, competent enough to function but lacking the full power to fascinate or make an indelible mark. This cinematic exploration into the life of one of creation's most luminous minds is, regrettably, just moderately lit—leaving it with a score that mirrors its execution: a 5 out of 10, not completely out of charge but certainly in need of a more potent spark.
