THE LOST CITY OF Z (2016)

Summary:

Based on David Grann's non-fiction book, "The Lost City of Z" chronicles the epic true story of British explorer Percy Fawcett, who ventured into the Amazon rainforest in the early 20th century in search of an ancient, advanced civilization he called "Z." Driven by an insatiable curiosity and a desire to restore his family's honor, Fawcett embarks on a series of perilous expeditions, challenging the prevailing scientific beliefs of his time that dismissed indigenous cultures as primitive. His relentless pursuit takes a heavy toll on his family, particularly his devoted wife Nina and his growing son Jack, who eventually joins him on his final, fateful journey.

The film delves deep into Fawcett's obsession, portraying the brutal realities of jungle exploration, the complex relationships with indigenous tribes, and the internal struggles of a man torn between his professional calling and his domestic responsibilities. It is a visually stunning and emotionally resonant tale of ambition, discovery, and the enduring mystery of one man's unwavering belief in a lost world, culminating in his enigmatic disappearance in 1925, leaving behind a legacy that continues to inspire and intrigue.

Keywords: The Lost City of Z, 2016, Charlie Hunnam, Robert Pattinson, Sienna Miller, Tom Holland, Adventure, Biography, Drama, History, Amazon, Percy Fawcett, Exploration, Lost City.

Plot:

The film opens in 1905, introducing Major Percy Fawcett, a decorated but socially overlooked British officer, participating in a deer hunt in Ireland. His military career is stalled due to his father's past indiscretions. He lives with his pregnant wife, Nina, and their young son, Jack. An unexpected offer from the Royal Geographical Society (RGS) presents a chance for redemption: to map an uncharted section of the border between Bolivia and Brazil, an area rich in rubber plantations and rife with disputes, to prevent a potential war. Despite Nina's apprehension about the dangers and the impending birth of their second child, Fawcett accepts, driven by a desire to restore his family's name and escape his stagnant life.

Fawcett embarks on his first expedition into the Amazon with Corporal Henry Costin, a seasoned frontiersman. The journey is immediately fraught with peril, from treacherous river currents and venomous creatures to the constant threat of disease. They encounter Portuguese rubber baron Baron de Gondoriz, who warns them of hostile native tribes. De Gondoriz provides them with a native guide, Tadjui, who recounts tales of a sophisticated, ancient civilization hidden deep within the jungle. Fawcett initially dismisses these as folklore but is intrigued when Tadjui shows him ancient pottery fragments, far more advanced than anything attributed to the "primitive" tribes known to the Europeans. Fawcett begins to theorize about a lost city, which he christens "Z," a place where a complex society might have thrived, challenging the prevalent European belief in the inferiority of indigenous cultures. Upon his return to England, Fawcett presents his findings to a skeptical RGS, who view his claims as outlandish, yet his conviction about Z only deepens.

The years that follow see Fawcett obsessed with Z. He meticulously researches ancient texts and maps, convinced that the Amazon holds secrets far beyond European comprehension. Nina, while supportive of his passion, struggles with his prolonged absences and the strain on their family. She gives birth to their third child, but Fawcett's mind remains fixed on the jungle. In 1911, Fawcett secures funding for a second expedition, joined by the eccentric and ill-prepared explorer James Murray. This journey proves disastrous. Murray, unsuited for the harsh conditions, quickly succumbs to illness and paranoia, becoming a liability. He demands to turn back, and when Fawcett refuses, Murray attempts to sabotage the expedition by consuming their remaining supplies. Fawcett is forced to abandon Murray, who is eventually rescued but brings charges against Fawcett, leading to a public inquiry and further tarnishing Fawcett's reputation. Despite the setbacks and public ridicule, Fawcett's resolve to find Z only hardens.

The outbreak of World War I momentarily pulls Fawcett away from his jungle quest. He serves with distinction on the Western Front, witnessing the horrific brutality of trench warfare. The "civilized" world's capacity for destruction deeply disillusions him, reinforcing his belief that a more enlightened civilization might have existed in the Amazon, untouched by such barbarism. He is severely wounded in a gas attack and returns home a decorated but weary man. His eldest son, Jack, now a young adult, has inherited his father's adventurous spirit and a nascent belief in Z, fueled by Fawcett's letters and stories. Fawcett struggles to secure funding for a third expedition, facing resistance from the RGS, who consider him a madman.

In 1925, with newfound determination and the financial backing of a wealthy benefactor named Raleigh Rimmell, Fawcett prepares for his most ambitious journey yet. Jack insists on joining him, eager to share in his father's quest and prove his own mettle. Nina, though heartbroken by the thought of losing both her husband and son to the jungle, ultimately gives her blessing, understanding the profound pull Z has on them. The expedition, comprising Fawcett, Jack, and Rimmell, departs. From the outset, Rimmell proves to be a hindrance, suffering from exhaustion and an inability to adapt to the jungle's demands. His complaints and lack of resilience threaten the mission, forcing Fawcett to make the difficult decision to abandon him, leaving him with supplies and a compass to find his way back to civilization. This moment underscores Fawcett's single-minded devotion to his quest, even at the cost of human life.

Fawcett and Jack press deeper into the unknown, their bond strengthening amidst the shared hardship. They encounter more advanced pottery and carvings, further solidifying their belief in Z. Fawcett's approach to the indigenous tribes has evolved; he is more respectful, seeking understanding rather than conquest. They eventually encounter a previously uncontacted tribe, deep within the jungle. These natives, unlike any Fawcett has met before, are initially wary but eventually lead them to their village. The film's climax is ambiguous and mystical. Fawcett and Jack are led into the heart of the village, adorned with tribal paint, seemingly willingly participating in a ritual. They are offered a hallucinogenic drink, and as they drink, they see visions of the ancient city, a glimpse of the Z they sought. The final shot shows them being led away by the tribe, deeper into the jungle, their fate left to the imagination. Their disappearance becomes one of the greatest mysteries of the 20th century.

The epilogue reveals Nina Fawcett's tireless efforts to find her husband and son, refusing to believe they are dead. She visits the RGS, still met with skepticism and condescension. Despite numerous subsequent search parties, no definitive trace of Percy or Jack Fawcett is ever found. The film concludes with Nina gazing at a map, her unwavering belief in their survival and the existence of Z mirroring her husband's lifelong obsession, solidifying the enduring legend of the lost city and the men who vanished seeking it.

Cast (Lead Roles):

• Charlie Hunnam as Percy Fawcett
• Robert Pattinson as Henry Costin
• Sienna Miller as Nina Fawcett
• Tom Holland as Jack Fawcett
• Angus Macfadyen as James Murray

Crew:

• Director: James Gray
• Screenwriter: James Gray
• Based on the book by: David Grann
• Producers: Dede Gardner, Jeremy Kleiner, Anthony Katagas, James Gray
• Cinematography: Darius Khondji
• Editor: John Axelrad, Lee Haugen
• Music by: Christopher Spelman

Release Info:

• Original Release Date: October 15, 2016 (New York Film Festival)
• Language: English, Portuguese
• Genre: Adventure, Biography, Drama, History
• Running Time: 141 minutes
• Accolades: Selected as one of the Top Ten Independent Films by the National Board of Review; Nominated for Best Cinematography at the Satellite Awards.