Atonement is a masterpiece

I saw Atonement today and I was blown away, which is really saying something. I had very high expectations for this film, having anticipated it since the moment I heard it was being made. I was worried it wouldn't live up, even if it was good but not great, but those fears were easily assuaged. It was phenominal.

The book it is based on is one of my favorites, and the film is a wonderful adaptation of the novel, capturing its essence while making its own statement about the power of storytelling, be it for devious or benevolent purposes. The film is visually stunning, and, remarkably, aurally stunning too. The sound of typing exists in the reality of the scene but also as part of the score, merging the two quite effectively.

The actors are also extraordinary. I was particularly taken by Keira Knightley, who transforms so effectively from her early scenes as a vibrant girl on the cusp of womanhood--beautiful, wealthy, the world at her feet--to the struggling woman whose life was so severely knocked off course, who looks like she's had life itself sucked from her. All three Brionys were good too, and bear a remarkable resemblance to each other, both physically and in mannerism, so that they are completely believable. James McAvoy was fantastic too.

I've already posted about the amazing one-take Dunkirk sequence, which works great in the film. Another fine scene is the electric love scene between Cecilia (Knightley) and Robbie (McAvoy) in the library. Here's a bit leading up to that. Notice the beautiful green dress Knightley wears.



Expect this film to be showered with well deserved Oscar nominations, probably 12: picture, actor, actress, supporting actress, director, adapted screenplay, cinematography, art direction, costume design, score, editing, and sound mixing.

Atonement

The good news: Atonement looks absolutely stunning. The bad news: It doesn't get a US release until December. Arg!!!!! Atonement debuted in Britain today to universal acclaim; it gets a 100% Rotten Tomatoes rating based on its 14 mostly British reviews. The Guardian said "there are moments - delirious, languorous, romantic moments - when this film appears to have the lineaments of a classic."

The film is based on Ian McEwan's acclaimed 2002 novel, which was shortlisted for the Booker Prize, an honor he earned yet again this year for his novella On Chesil Beach. Aside from Harry Potter, Atonement is my favorite novel so far this decade, an epic World War II romantic tale about how the lie of a barely adolescent girl can forever change the lives of those close to her. The book, and I hear the film too, ends with a delicious twist.

The movie stars Oscar nominee Keira Knightley and James McAvoy (The Last King of Scotland). Joe Wright, who helmed the lovely but light 2005 version of Pride & Prejudice, which also starred Knightley directs. Clearly, this is the most obvious early shoo-in to get a Best Picture Oscar nomination. That the early reviews are all stellar bodes well for it, as well as Knightley, McAvoy, and Wright.

Into the Wild

I'm so glad the summer movie season is almost over and time for fall--the real movie season--to begin. Here's fall's first promising film, Into the Wild, adapted from the Jon Krakauer book about a young man from northern Virginia who ran away from his life on a trek to find himself that ultimately led to the wilderness of Alaska and his death.