Mon Sep 30 23:26:20 UTC 2024: ## Tarsem’s “The Fall” Rises Again After 18 Years: A 4K Restoration Celebrates a Cult Classic

**Locarno, Switzerland:** Director Tarsem Singh Dhandwar’s 2006 fantasy film “The Fall,” once a box office disaster, is finally getting its due recognition with a stunning 4K restoration, premiering at the Locarno Film Festival. The film, which tells the story of a wounded stuntman who spins fantastical tales for a young girl in a hospital, had a tumultuous journey to the screen.

Tarsem, known for his lavish visuals and elaborate storytelling, funded “The Fall” entirely himself after struggling to find studios willing to back his ambitious project. His struggles were compounded by the infamous Harvey Weinstein, who, after expressing interest in the film, publicly trashed it after Tarsem refused to let him see it before potential buyers.

“Weinstein must have thought, ‘If it’s not for me, I’ll shit on it publicly’,” Tarsem recounts. This negative reception, combined with mixed reviews, led to “The Fall” being a financial failure despite its breathtaking visual effects and unique narrative.

However, despite its initial reception, “The Fall” found a cult following online, with many praising its artistic merit and visual beauty. Now, with the 4K restoration, audiences can experience the film in its full glory. It includes two scenes removed after the 2006 premiere and a re-added introductory text.

This re-release marks a significant milestone for Tarsem, who spent two decades making the film. “I think [Francis Ford] Coppola is the only person who’s ever spent more money on a personal film,” Tarsem says, comparing his journey to Coppola’s “Megalopolis.”

The film’s journey mirrors the struggles of many independent filmmakers who defy industry expectations. The Fall’s resurrection serves as a testament to the enduring power of artistic vision and the possibility of finding an audience even after years of rejection.

“The Fall” will stream exclusively on MUBI in the UK and Ireland from September 27.

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