Most short stories are not turned into short film, and the short story that spawned this movie is no different.
The list of famous films made from short stories is likely endless, doubtlessly including “Rita Hayworth and Shawshank Redemption” becoming the much more simply titled Shawshank Redemption, and two of Philip K. Dick’s numerous short pieces becoming the films Total Recall and Minority Report. 3000 Years of Longing, however, remains the most true to this original form. This short story is not trying to push into a lengthy drama piece about a Djinn, nor is it a spectacle film made to comment on spectacle (looking at you, Jordan Peele). No, 3000 Years eloquently transfers the feeling of reading a short story to a brisk 108 minute runtime.
The film does this with beautiful visuals and a stunning cast, which wrongfully states starring Tilda Swinton. The actress in question does pin the narrative of the film, but her role here is greatly understated, mostly chiming in now and then to remind Idris Elba of the fact that she doesn’t want to make the three wishes she is owed (much of this storyline can be gleamed from the trailer, so I hope I am not spoiling anything.)
However, this does not mean it is perfect. The story itself, while feeling like a lovely summer day’s read, falls flat in execution, especially upon the climax. I was thoroughly enraptured in the tales of woe and heartache Elba’s Djinn wove, through ages of time and in various cultures. However, as soon as the narrative focus shifted at what I would term the climax of the story, it lost a lot of its heart, as well as the linch-pin of the visual aesthetic (I am trying to remain spoiler-free, however those that see the film will know at which point I am referring to.)
All in all, I enjoyed my experience, though I did feel it was hollowed by the end of the movie’s narrative arc. However, I believe the film is a fun romp through the history of the Turkish region, even if it is made fantastical by the presence of a Djinn. Don’t go expecting to see storytelling on a monumental scale, nor should any potential viewers go to try and see an action-packed film. It is what the trailer suggests; a beautifully shot and edited film, with a story that does well until it doesn’t.
Rating: 3.5/5
Tagline; Would rather be watching Aladdin (1992)