Mystery grows boldly within 'Constant Gardener'
by Gerry Shamray

 Though slowly unnerving, "The Constant Gardener" is constantly riveting.

Director Fernando Meirelles ("City of God") sends us throughcircles of flashbacks, gradually revealing the tale of Justin Quayle (Ralph Fiennes, above), a British diplomat in Kenya who finds himself caught up in something big.

His young, activist wife, Tessa (Rachel Weisz), dies in a car accident.Rumors emerge that she was involved with her fellow passenger and victim,Dr. Arnold Bluhm (Hubert Kounde).

Justin painfully starts to investigate the incident that took his wife's life, only to discover the possibility of a major conspiracy. Despite threats from higher-ups and outside forces, he continues to pursue the truth at whatever the costs may be to his life, career or sanity.

The tight screenplay by Jeffrey Caine is based on the novel by John leCarre. Caine efficiently mixes the cloak-and-dagger side of the story withthe human one, delivering several strong punches.

Meirelles prudently directs the intrigue with an artful eye. He keeps usslightly dazed as he spins through the past and present, teasing us with bitsof information as the bigger picture gradually forms.

The cast is terrific, from the alluring Weisz to the great Fiennes.They have us caring about the outcome of the puzzle and them suspenseful resolution. This is one "Gardener" that's worth digging.

 

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