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"ATONEMENT" (R)
The visually stunning
Atonement is one of the best films of 2007
By Chris Shappley
We have all seen our fair share of
romance/war films. You know the ones I am talking about: Boy and girl
fall in love and then war tears them apart. The gist is usually pretty
simple and doesn’t stray too far from that description (think of the
colossal, cinematic mistake Pearl Harbor). The cinema is
bombarded with a different war film every week, or so it seems, making
it difficult for one to stand out among the others, but Joe Wright’s
glorious Atonement is one that definitely stands out on its own.
Atonement is the story of two lovers: Robbie Turner (James McAvoy)
and Cecilia Tallis (Keira Knightley) living in England during the
1930’s. The night Robbie and Cecilia confess their love for each other,
Cecilia’s younger sister Briony; who secretly crushes on Robbie, lies to
everyone in her family by saying that Robbie is responsible for an act
that winds up causing him to go to jail for three years (despite his
complete innocence in the matter). It is then he starts fighting in WWII
remaining separated, possibly forever, from his true love.
Atonement is by far one of the most visually stunning films of
this decade. Come Oscar time, this film should have no problem raking in
the technical nominations, especially one for its incredible
cinematography. This film is a Thanksgiving feast for the eyes.
Everything from the English countryside to the horror of war is captured
in a beautifully poetic way. The set design is breathtaking, especially
in the first act of the film inside the family’s mansion. A nomination
here should be no problem as well, and the same goes for its superb
costumes and makeup.
The acting here is extremely sharp. Keira Knightley gives the best
performance of her career here, as does McAvoy. At least one of them
should end up with an Oscar nomination in January, if not both. As far
as anyone else in the film getting a nomination goes, it’s unlikely
because no one else’s performances were nearly as demanding as
Knightley’s and McAvoy’s. Knightley and McAvoy play their characters
throughout the whole movie even while times change, while other
characters change actors as they grow older not giving them a lot of
time to stand out.
Wright’s artful direction helps alleviate a lot of the heaviness from
this tragic story. Everything is done with a keen, talented eye giving
Wright a serious chance at an Oscar nomination for himself. As for the
film’s chances with getting a Best Picture nomination, its chances are
very much in its favor.
The film does come off at times as being one “made for the Oscars,” but
that does not mean it is not one of the best films of the year. Stuffed
with everything the Academy loves to praise, Atonement could
possibly be the film that is showered with Oscars next February. The
film also gives off a lot of the same vibes as Titanic did seven
years ago. There is a very good possibility this film could really hit
home with audiences, but it is crippled by its R rating. Nevertheless,
Atonement is a film that should do very well with Academy members
and audiences alike.
****/**** |
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