Directed by: Alejandro Gonzalez Inarritu
Written by: Mark L. Smith, Alejandro Gonzalez Inarritu, Michael Punke
Starring: Leonardo DiCaprio, Tom Hardy, Will Poulter
Cinematographer: Emmanuel Lubezki
Runtime: 156 minutes
I saw THE REVENANT in the theatres some time ago. I was lucky enough to catch a sneak peak before it was released to audiences’ nation wide. I went to the screening with two of my co-workers who are not only movie buffs, but Alejandro Gonzalez Inarritu fans. After the movie concluded, they were totally blown away. I mean Leonardo, the bear fight, Leonardo, intricate camera work.. and did I mention Leonardo?!
I was impressed for sure. THE REVENANT was simultaneously stunning and brutally violent. I knew right then and there that DiCaprio’s performance as frontiersman Hugh Glass would earn him his much deserved Academy Award. The film was full of Inarritu’s gargantuan vision: a jaw dropping story of revenge set in immeasurable landscape panoramas and untamable geography. I thought about the movie for the next 24 hours. I appreciated it as a work of art, much like an art buff paying tribute to a Picasso or a Monet.
It wasn’t until some months later that THE REVENANT haunted me in the best possible way.
It was just an ordinary Wednesday evening. I got off work around 5:00pm, walked home, changed into my yoga gear and headed to CorePower for a C2 class.
That same evening, my instructor guided us through her opening sequence. Her focal theme for the class was rooting down for a steady balance and to let go of any misunderstandings of why were there. She then referred to the following quote from THE REVENANT.
“As long as you can still grab a breath, you fight. You breathe. Keep breathing. When there is a storm and you stand in front of a tree, if you look at its branches, you swear it will fall. But if you watch the trunk, you will see its stability”.
If you haven’t had the chance to watch the THE REVENANT, it’s an 1800 frontier movie based on true events. THE REVENANT is an immersive and visceral cinematic experience capturing one man’s journey of survival and the extraordinary power of the human spirit.
In yoga, it is believed that the human body has seven Chakras, each representing a different center of spiritual power or energy. The first Chakra, Muladhara, is associated with earthly elements and directly links the ability to dig in, stand tall and feel rooted in life. The seventh and final Chakra, Sahasrara, is associated with the rudiments of thought, connection to spirit, universal consciousness, wisdom and enlightenment.
Right then and there, as I sequenced from sun salutation to various balancing poses, I achieved a deeper understanding of Leonardo’s character. It uncoiled right in front of me as I launched into Virabhadra III (this coincidently means a fierce warrior).
Before springing forward, I stood resilient in lunge position, my core was locked and my midline rooted. I focused on the synchronization of straightening my front leg as my back leg elevated. I purposefully positioned my torso steady to stabilize my foundation as I advanced. With each breath, I fought. My arms faltered back and forth; much like the branches of the tree in the storm. My arms, however, did not modify my stability. I too, was imbedded in my mat like the tree trunk to the earth.
DiCaprio gave life to an intolerable idea of suffering, but also to the hope of not giving up. This allows me to deep think and further explore our Chakras.
His character, a man struggling to survive and grieving for the loss of his murdered son never gave up on his breath; his heart continued to beat. His elements of thought never abandoned him even in the darkest of times. To gain revenge and to seek out justice were his universal truths. His spiritual connections grounded him and brought balance back into his life.
Even when this man was mulled by a bear and left for death, he was still standing tall, even if it was not visible to the human eye.
Garudasana (Eagle Pose) is another tricky balancing posture (at least for me). On each side, I always prop my leg down as a kickstand. This modification helps me stay rooted and reminds me that giving up is not an option. Every time I lift my leg (right or left, depending on the side) and cross it over the alternate thigh I wobble like the tree branches. Although I fluctuate, I never desert the pose. This allows me to further develop my focus, strength and serenity.
Yoga Pose: Revolved Crescent Lunge {Parivrtta Anjaneyasana}
Revolved Crescent Lunge is an intense and deep standing twist. This posture strengthens and elongates the spine, groin, chest, lungs & shoulders. It also increases stamina and balance.