For every re-entry, there has to be a first in 2020. Similarly to the aftermath of 9/11, everything has changed and there is undoubtedly a new “normal” which we all must adapt to. The hope inside most of us, I would imagine, is that we will not have to stray too far away from our previous expectations. With that in mind, my sit-down in the movie theater for 2020’s edition of one particular film festival became the first since our recent shut down or what have you.

On an adjacent note, knowledge continues to expand and with that we can learn new things and have more positive experiences. Take the subject of history, for example: some individuals and events have faired better in the days of yore compared to others, but with time, that can change and change is not always a bad thing. Speaking of that, one particular individual who has garnered much greater notice in the more recent years, compared to before, is Nikola Tesla. While most of us might just think about the latest in automotive technology, there is a great reason for why that name was given to the successful car company, in the first place. You could even say that it was meant to be an homage and since times have been so good to them, what a positive homage that has become!

The realm of biopics will likely never dwindle in numbers and I believe that is a great sign for humanity, depending on how you look at it. Although some are designed to portray its titular character in a negative light, there are just as many which are positive and, still, there is room for some that take the more balanced and ambiguous approach. I can say with pretty fair certainty that this was the intended goal for “Tesla,” directed, co-produced and written by Michael Almereyda (“Marjorie Prime”). The music was credited to John Paesano (“Maze Runner: The Death Cure”) and the uniqueness of what he brought to the project was evident early on. Seemingly, there was an intention to combine classical sounds and arrangements more reminiscent of Nikola’s time period with something more modern, which fits right in with the stylistic integrity of this film.

Cinematography seems to be the focus for so many movies in 2020. Actually, it has been a great focus for a lot of films for many years, but in certain years it seems to really stand out. For this one, a familiar name, by association with the director, was brought in, by the name of Sean Price Williams (“Her Smell”). As I mentioned before, there is a blend of classical and modern styles and that same principle is applied in the way this movie is shot. You see, while most people are thought of as being “of their time,” Nikola, in retrospect, is considered one who was ahead of his time. One example, at least in the film, was when he stated that machines were an extension of humans, not the other way around. In other words, while others were reluctant to embrace the advancement of technology, for fear of losing our identity as people, he saw the good in it and believed in it. Keep in mind that certain forms of technology had already begun to progress, especially in the area of electricity.

I would consider it ironic that while the subject matter involved electricity, a figurative form, going by the same description, seemed to be missing from the interaction of the characters. Ethan Hawke (“The Truth”) played as Nikola Tesla. Joining along, as his love interest, was Eve Hewson (“The True Adventures of Wolfboy”) as Anne Morgan. On paper, the writing was adequate, but with such stoic deliveries, there was not much to remember and connect with as a viewer. The character of Anne, also, was the movie’s narrator. There is little doubt that due to the pacing of filmmaking these days, this tactic was used to help fill us in, especially since the details of Nikola are so sketchy. Unfortunately, with some time, the narration felt somewhat repetitive. That leads me to another irony: as Nikola Tesla seemed to be interrupted by the shortcomings of the world around him, I, as a viewer, felt slightly interrupted by the narration.

As Nikola reportedly once said, “We are what our thoughts have made us.” There was no shortage of ideas and explorations throughout the story. Apparently, the man himself was so wrapped up in those ideas and explorations, he did not have time for other people. There was a fine moment in which Nikola sang a memorable tune, from our time, and he performed it in a way you might have expected him to. The absence of emotions, though certainly understandable in the main character, was also absent in everyone else and that made it hard for me to feel the sadness that they may have felt.

Ebon Moss-Bachrach (“Lying and Stealing”) as Szigeti, had a limited role, but managed to make his presence felt in a way that some of the main characters were unable to. The moments of sympathy were brief and sporadic, yet he was afforded an opportunity to be effective. Singular moments, such as the case for Szigeti, just did not come into play enough. Jim Gaffigan (“Above the Shadows”) brought some comedic relief to his role of George Westinghouse, as you might expect, but nothing big enough to be especially memorable. Most of the humor was subtle and dark and he was rarely a part of any of that. Kyle MacLachlin (“High Flying Bird”) as Thomas Edison, was probably the most interesting role, throughout, showcasing charisma and charm. Perhaps he should have been awarded more screen time and the story could have been more concentrated on their supposed rivalry. However, the movie is “Tesla,” not “Tesla vs. Edison.”

There were some aspects that I really enjoyed about “Tesla,” but the lack of energy surrounding almost all of the characters brought the overall enjoyment down for me. Technically, it was a good effort and execution and final product, but the element of connection and sympathy for the people on screen needed to be more prominent. Sometimes, being too smart in delivery equals too bland for great consumption, but at least it looked appetizing and featured some nice aromatics, so to speak.

Director: Michael Almereyda

Screenwriter: Almereyda

Music: John Paesano

Starring: Ethan Hawke, Eve Hewson, Ebon Moss-Bachrach, Jim Gaffigan, Kyle MacLachlan, Hannah Gross as Mina Edison, Josh Hamilton as Robert Underwood Johnson and Urbaniak as Professor Anthony

Distributor: IFC Films

Release: January 27^th, 2020 (Sundance) and August 21^st, 2020 (United States)