Atonement (imdb)
Before I write anything about this film, let me preface this by saying that I did not read the book, by Ian McEwan (btw, there is no way names get more Scottish than that). I went into the film, having only seen the trailer and with a few recommendations from a friend or two who had seen it.
Half expecting a romantic drama and fully expecting to fall asleep in the first few minutes, I was pleasantly surprised by the film and its subtle nuances, and I was fully captivated by the small and large waves of emotional pulls that this movie had to offer. This movie, at its simplest, is about the ramifications a young girl’s wild imagination and how one act of misconception can lead to devastating suffering and unjust unrequited love. Set against the backdrop of England and France in World War II, this movie tries to explore the deeper themes of loss in wartime, but is most poignant when it focuses on the three main characters in the film: Briony Tallis, her older sister Cecilia Tallis (played by Keira Knightley), and Robbie Turner (James McAvoy).
This film pulls in quite a few strong performances from its young actors, particularly James McAvoy, who is quite charming at times, and brutally pained at others. Keira Knightley also paints a wonderful picture of a pained lover, torn from the familiarity she once knew and longing for her lover. The two actors, however, seem to lack a chemistry together on screen, but the film has them separate for so long that their performances can be forgiven in that regard.
One thing to watch (listen) out for in this film is the wonderful composed music that is integrated into the scenes. I felt myself following the progression of music as much as I was following the progression of the story. All in all, I would say this a thoroughly entertaining film. As for a love story, it won’t be a classic, but I don’t think Ian McEwan had that in mind when he wrote it. It’s a good thing director Joe Wright didn’t either.
3.5 Glamorous Cigarette-Smoking Scenes out of 5
December 29th, 2007 at 8:22 am
I wasn’t particularly impressed with the trailer - it seemed a bit overblown and boring. I might considering checking this out on DVD, though, if it keeps getting good reviews.
December 29th, 2007 at 12:59 pm
thought it was a decent but sadly forgettable interpretation. you’re right about the lacking chemistry b/w the lovers and the reunion scene suffers immensely from that (it’s quite poignant in the book from what I remember). though individually i thought the 3 actors’ performances were very strong throughout.
btw, did it take you long to come up with the title for the post? ;p
February 18th, 2008 at 12:14 pm
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