Discland
edited by Jonathan Doyle
Mafioso (The Criterion Collection, 3.18.2008) Nino Badalamenti is a supervisor in a car manufacturing plant who hasn't taken a vacation in over two years. On his way out the door to visit his beloved childhood hometown of Sicily -- with his blonde wife and daughters -- Nino is handed a package by his boss and asked to deliver it to a powerful and influential Sicilian gangster named Don Vincenzo. Once in Sicily, Nino has a hoot seeing friends and family, but his wife has trouble fitting in and is unfairly dismissed as a snob by Nino's family. Even more worrisome, Nino finds himself entangled in an intricate web of secret mafioso dealings and is eventually sent on an unexpectedly... elaborate errand. (continued)

Upcoming


July 2

Hancock

July 3

The Whackness

July 4

Diminished Capacity

Gonzo: The Life and Work of Hunter S. Thompson

Holding Trevor

Kabluey

We are Together

July 9

Full Battle Rattle

July 11

A Man Named Pearl

August

Eight Miles High

Garden Party

Harold

Hellboy II: The Golden Army

Journey to the Center of the Earth

Meet Dave

Roman Polanski: Wanted and Desired

The Stone Angel

July 18

A Very British Gangster

Before I Forget

The Dark Knight

The Doorman

Felon

Lou Reed's Berlin

Mad Detective

Mamma Mia!

Space Chimps

Take

Transsiberian

July 22

Two Tickets to Paradise

July 23

Boy A




 

Elley's "Atonement" review

Derek Elley is one of Variety's finest critics -- a guy who knows his stuff all around the race track and the rodeo -- but he's also a British citizen who's probably susceptible to feelings of national pride, and so you can't fully trust his rave review of Joe Wright's Atonement, which was shown at the opening-night attraction at the Venice Film Festival just a few hours ago.


Knightley, McAvoy in Joe Wrights' Atonement (Focus Features, 12.25)

I feel, in other words, that the British film industry has been a nearly moribund thing for so long that you have to process any seasoned British critic reviewing Atonement -- a thoroughly British film that was shot with British actors, crew and money on English soil -- with at least a half grain of salt. Elley may be speaking God's truth 80% or 90% of the time in his review, but a little voice is telling me "watch it...hold your horses...deep down he may be cheerleading for the home team."

That said, Elley is doing cartwheels and somersaults over this Focus Features release which will also play next week in Toronto before debuting in December.

"Rarely has a book sprung so vividly to life," he begins, "but also worked so enthrallingly in pure movie terms as Atonement, a smart, dazzlingly upholstered version by young British helmer Joe Wright of Ian McEwan's celebrated 2001 novel.

"Period yarn, largely set in 1930s and 1940s England, about an adolescent outburst of spite that destroys two lives and crumples a third, preserves much of the novel's metaphysical depth and all of its emotional power. And as in Wright's Pride & Prejudice, Keira Knightley delivers a star turn -- echoed by co-thesp James McAvoy -- that's every bit as magnetic as the divas of those classic mellers which pic consciously references.


"Released in Europe next month and as a U.S. specialty item via Focus in December, this should reap good returns on the back of positive reviews and figure heavily in upcoming kudo derbies. It proved a popular opener of this year's Venice fest.

"Though clearly by the same director, film is almost the polar opposite of Wright's debut. Where Pride took a relatively free hand in reworking Austen's classic in more youthful terms, Atonement is immensely faithful to McEwan's novel, with whole scenes and dialogue seemingly lifted straight from the page in Christopher Hampton's brisk adaptation.

"And where Pride took a deliberately unstarchy, more realistic approach to Austen's universe, Atonement consciously evokes the acting conventions and romantic cliches of '30s and '40s melodramas -- from the cut-glass British accents, through Dario Marinelli's romantic, kinetic score, to the whole starchy period look.

"It's a gamble that could easily have tilted over into farce. But as in Pride and Prejudice, Wright's approach is redeemed by his cast and crew, with leads like Knightley, McAvoy and young Irish thesp Saoirse Ronan driving the movie on the performance side and technicians like d.p. Seamus McGarvey and designers Sarah Greenwood and Jacqueline Durran providing a richly decorated frame for their heightened playing."

I'm not saying Elley has necessarily lost hs bearings ro that Atonement isn't a god, well-made film (I won't catch it until it shows in Toronto sometime around September 8th or 9th), but we need to hear what a few non-vested smart-ass American critics hae to say. Until a few of these come along we're in a holding pattern.

Posted by Jeffrey Wells on August 29, 2007 at 01:57 PM

comment #1

malibugigolo [TypeKey Profile Page] says ...


Its almost as bad as Enduring Love.
My grandmother's Christmas letter's are sharper than McEwan's writing. What a phony. And Joe Wright's adaptation of Pride & Prejudice was tone deaf. He picked up none of the irony of Austen's writing. Some scenes with Matthew Macfadyen emerging from the...ahhh... mist were laughably literal, something you'd see on CBS movie of the week.

Another coffee table movie.

Posted by malibugigolo [TypeKey Profile Page] at August 29, 2007 02:42 PM

comment #2

MilkMan [TypeKey Profile Page] says ...

I, for one, am beside myself with anticipation for this film. The photography looks sumptuous, simply ravishing. Romance against the scrim of history. Some people we know are going to wait until the crowds die down, but I don't care if I have to fight tooth and bloody nail to get a ticket, I shall be there opening night, a Schwepps in one hand and a Cadbury in the other. Truly, this looks like a two-fisted classic. A better man than I might be able to deny himself the pleasures of gazing upon the delicate fine-China beauty of Keira, not to mention the rugged persistence of the plucky McAvoy, but that man surely must live a life stewed in Mancunian bitterness. God save the Queen. Now if you excuse me, I must take a journey to the loo, with nothing but my copy of Lord Jim to occupy me while I attempt to relieve myself of this morning's bangers and mash.

Posted by MilkMan [TypeKey Profile Page] at August 29, 2007 02:44 PM

comment #3

gruver1 [TypeKey Profile Page] says ...

Wells to malibugigolo: What do you really know? It's not McEwan's "writing" as much as Hampton's, right? "Almost as bad as 'Enduring Love'" based on what specific hard information?

Posted by gruver1 [TypeKey Profile Page] at August 29, 2007 02:45 PM

comment #4

actionman [TypeKey Profile Page] says ...

I thought Enduring Love was a terrific movie. I'll see Atonement...the trailer is quite good and I love looking at Keira.

Posted by actionman [TypeKey Profile Page] at August 29, 2007 02:46 PM

comment #5

Wrecktum [TypeKey Profile Page] says ...

The English Patient 2?

Posted by Wrecktum [TypeKey Profile Page] at August 29, 2007 02:46 PM

comment #6

Ishmael [TypeKey Profile Page] says ...

So you can never trust a critic writing about a movie from his own country?

Posted by Ishmael [TypeKey Profile Page] at August 29, 2007 02:52 PM

comment #7

malibugigolo [TypeKey Profile Page] says ...


Hampton did the best he could do. McEwan is a phony, he writes phony books for the theoretical class who say...have never been a victim of a violent crime in their entire lives or who when there house gets rolled with toilet paper, they feel "violated".


I'm sure the movie will do well. If The Aviator was nominated for an Oscar, then Atonement should win it all.

Posted by malibugigolo [TypeKey Profile Page] at August 29, 2007 02:53 PM

comment #8

gruver1 [TypeKey Profile Page] says ...

Wels to Ishmael: You can never trust a critic writing about a movie from his own country IF the movie in question has been funded, crewed and acted in by fellow countrymen, and IF his country's film industry has been on its knees in recent years. Not 100% trust at least.

Posted by gruver1 [TypeKey Profile Page] at August 29, 2007 02:56 PM

comment #9

Ishmael [TypeKey Profile Page] says ...

Well, Working Title is owned by Universal and this was co-produced with a French company. So from a financial point of view this is anything but purely British.

By this reckoning shouldn't all British Harry Potter reviews have been raves? ;-)

Posted by Ishmael [TypeKey Profile Page] at August 29, 2007 03:01 PM

comment #10

Peter Debruge [TypeKey Profile Page] says ...

All I can say is: You'd better believe it.

And shame on you for second-guessing Elley's motives. This is one exceptional motion picture.

Posted by Peter Debruge [TypeKey Profile Page] at August 29, 2007 03:05 PM

comment #11

malibugigolo [TypeKey Profile Page] says ...

And the Dodger game is tied in the bottom of the 9th. Whatta game!

Posted by malibugigolo [TypeKey Profile Page] at August 29, 2007 03:09 PM

comment #12

Joe Leydon [TypeKey Profile Page] says ...

I know Derek Elley. I've worked with Derek Elley. Derek Elley is a friend of mine. And Jeff... You're no Derek Elley.

Posted by Joe Leydon [TypeKey Profile Page] at August 29, 2007 03:18 PM

comment #13

Me [TypeKey Profile Page] says ...

Jesus Jeff, why don't you be more explicit and come out and say that you believe this movie is shit, and no amount of positive reviews or, you know, actually seeing the film is going to change your mind. You've already said you're over the actors, and now you're saying you're over all British reviewers unless they come out negatively for this film. Way to be an objective journalist/critic!

Posted by Me [TypeKey Profile Page] at August 29, 2007 03:19 PM

comment #14

BurmaShave [TypeKey Profile Page] says ...

Wells, we're going to have to nip your increasingly less subtle campaigning against this movie in the bud. It's just not going to work this season, not with this.

Posted by BurmaShave [TypeKey Profile Page] at August 29, 2007 03:30 PM

comment #15

Wrecktum [TypeKey Profile Page] says ...

If it weren't for James McAvoy's bulbous, drunken Scottish nose, Wells would be all in favor of this film.

Posted by Wrecktum [TypeKey Profile Page] at August 29, 2007 03:32 PM

comment #16

Ian Sinclair [TypeKey Profile Page] says ...

the HOLLYWOOD REPORTER gives it a sensational rave, too.

"VENICE, Italy -- "Atonement," Ian McEwan's best-selling novel of love thwarted by juvenile fantasy, has been rendered on screen so well by director Joe Wright and screenwriter Christopher Hampton that it ranks with the best novel adaptations of recent times. It was the opening film in competition at the Venice International Film Festival.

With compelling and charismatic performances by Keira Knightley and James McAvoy as the lovers, and a stunning contribution from Romola Garai as their remorseful nemesis, the film goes directly to "The English Patient" territory and might also expect rapturous audiences and major awards."


http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/hr/film/reviews/article_display.jsp?&rid=9693

Posted by Ian Sinclair [TypeKey Profile Page] at August 29, 2007 03:33 PM

comment #17

onemike [TypeKey Profile Page] says ...

I guess this is malibugigolo's thing -- bashing writers who are generally perceived to be of an exceptional quality. See previous comments on Cormac McCarthy. Who's next? Anyone want to guess?

Posted by onemike [TypeKey Profile Page] at August 29, 2007 03:33 PM

comment #18

goodvibe61 [TypeKey Profile Page] says ...

Jeff:

A couple things about Atonement:

You seem to be arguing in the comments that it's Hampton's writing, and not Mr. McEwan's. I cannot agree with you about this, for many reasons.

Put it this way: Who gets the credit for No Country, in your opinion: Joel Coen or Cormac McCarthy?

The question at the end of the day has to be, how familiar are you with No Country For Old Men, the novel by Mr. McCarthy? I get the impression you haven't read it, maybe I'm wrong. But that novel is incredible, as all of Mr. McCarthy's books are, and there is absolutely, unquestionably no doubt that the movie is mostly pulled DIRECTLY FROM THE NOVEL. The whole film has the stink of the McCarthy book in it. The tone, the places, the people, entire scenes and long stretches of dialogue, etc., it goes on and on, it's directly pulled from that strange nightmare that is the novel.

So who gets the credit? Mr. Coen? Yes, I know he'll get the Oscar nod, but is that REALLY the bottom line?

The absolute same goes for Atonement. Mr. McEwan's novel is (with all due respect to malibugigolo) brilliant and devastating, absolutely overwhelming. I would ask once again, have you read this novel? Because the same questions will apply.

More than No Country, Atonement uses literary devices to supreme effect. In fact, many fans of the novel are leary of Mr. Wright's ability to transfer the metafictional devices used in Atonement's structure to the filmed version of the story. A great deal depends on these devices for the emotional devastation that occurs in the book. Can and will those elements be transplanted into the movie, and successfully? And if they are, who should get the credit? As a work of cinema, surely it should Mr. Wright. But the story, if basically culled from the book is clearly another story.

Any fan of Atonement who visits this site is already prepared for what will be your underwhelming pan of a review, no matter what the film will be like, because it's clear that elements are in play that prevent you from ever giving this movie a chance. And that's totally cool, that's your thing and your choice. But about the STORY, which movies ultimately are all about, the story is one of the best told so far this decade, it is epic, it applies to the world we live in today (one of the most beautiful roles the setting evokes, tricking the reader regarding the book's themes on the surface), and if done well Atonement could be a major player come awards time.

More than anything I'm excited because it appears that two of the greatest contemporary novelists have finally, FINALLY gotten a film adaptation worthy of their own efforts.

Now if they can just have someone come up with an adaptation of Gravity's Rainbow (who knows, with that amazing illustrated version that was recently published!).


Posted by goodvibe61 [TypeKey Profile Page] at August 29, 2007 03:35 PM

comment #19

Ishmael [TypeKey Profile Page] says ...

That "Hollywood Reporter" review doesn't count either. It was also written by a Brit.

Posted by Ishmael [TypeKey Profile Page] at August 29, 2007 03:46 PM

comment #20

nemo [TypeKey Profile Page] says ...

" -- a thoroughly British film that was shot with British actors, crew and money on English soil -- "

James McAvoy: "I'm not British! I'm Scottish!"

Posted by nemo [TypeKey Profile Page] at August 29, 2007 03:55 PM

comment #21

Ishmael [TypeKey Profile Page] says ...

James McAvoy is 100% British. Not English, but that's a different matter.

Saoirse Ronan and Dario Marianelli aren't British.

Posted by Ishmael [TypeKey Profile Page] at August 29, 2007 04:00 PM

comment #22

T. Holly [TypeKey Profile Page] says ...

Haven't people always been questioning critics motives? I think a critic could make a full time job out of tracking people questioning them on the web. Fortunately for the critics, no one pays attention to the vast majority of bloggers.

Posted by T. Holly [TypeKey Profile Page] at August 29, 2007 04:03 PM

comment #23

sumo-pop [TypeKey Profile Page] says ...

You really need to get over this idea that no actor that you haven't taken an immediate liking to can't do good work. Of course I'm referring to your ongoing campaign against Keira Knightley. I used to think I would never see a good performance out of "Marky Mark." But, then along came Boogie Nights and whaddayaknow I had to see new light through old windows. Sometimes your like an old crotchety sportswriter who still refers to a certain boxer as "Cassius Clay."

Posted by sumo-pop [TypeKey Profile Page] at August 29, 2007 04:50 PM

comment #24

sumo-pop [TypeKey Profile Page] says ...

You really need to get over this idea that no actor that you haven't taken an immediate liking to can't do good work. Of course I'm referring to your ongoing campaign against Keira Knightley. I used to think I would never see a good performance out of "Marky Mark." But, then along came Boogie Nights and whaddayaknow I had to see new light through old windows. Sometimes you're like an old crotchety sportswriter who still refers to a certain boxer as "Cassius Clay."

Posted by sumo-pop [TypeKey Profile Page] at August 29, 2007 04:52 PM

comment #25

Gaydos [TypeKey Profile Page] says ...

FWIW: I think I mentioned here a few weeks ago the reaction of a whole bunch of people I respect who saw the movie here in LA - no Blighty folks among them - and it was unanimously "major Oscar front-runner."

Posted by Gaydos [TypeKey Profile Page] at August 29, 2007 05:00 PM

comment #26

slothroplt [TypeKey Profile Page] says ...

goodvibe61, I would also love to see a Gravity's Rainbow movie.

Posted by slothroplt [TypeKey Profile Page] at August 29, 2007 05:12 PM

comment #27

bmcintire [TypeKey Profile Page] says ...

I'd much rather see Jeff champion a film - especially one he may think has a good chance of undeservedly missing out on Oscar nominations - than see the seeds of another Takedown Campaign. Of course, that wouldn't be the polarizing hit generator that cycncism-besotted sniping achieves, so no hopes of that! Baby needs a new pair of everything!

Posted by bmcintire [TypeKey Profile Page] at August 29, 2007 05:39 PM

comment #28

Zoidberg [TypeKey Profile Page] says ...

I very much look forward to Atonement....
Great book, and I'm glad to see Knightley scoring good reviews from virtually all directions. I've always had high hopes for her...and the same goes for McAvoy. Everything I've seen and heard from this guy indicates he's a cut above the rest.

I only wish I could attend one of these festivals to see the film.

Posted by Zoidberg [TypeKey Profile Page] at August 29, 2007 05:46 PM

comment #29

Jay T. [TypeKey Profile Page] says ...

Hmm... just like we can't listen to you about any movie with Scarlett Johansson or Keira Knightley in it.

Posted by Jay T. [TypeKey Profile Page] at August 29, 2007 05:58 PM

comment #30

Aunt Sassy [TypeKey Profile Page] says ...

"You really need to get over this idea that no actor that you haven't taken an immediate liking to can't do good work. Of course I'm referring to your ongoing campaign against Keira Knightley."

And now, James McAvoy.

Well, we all know where this is going. Jeff can't understand how anyone else could like an actor or actress that he doesn't. So, rather admit that he has certain pathological tendencies and tends to obsess a bit, he'll just spend the next few months attacking this film in nearly every piece he posts. Unless, of course, the critical approval is overwhelming. Then he'll start to backtrack.

My sincere hope is that ATONEMENT becomes a major Oscar contender and that Jeff will have to wrestle with his (ahem) conscience as to whether or not to accept all that awards campaign advertising from Focus. I imagine it will resemble something like Jesus at Gethsemane with much tortured pleading and sweating of blood. Should take all of five minutes.

Posted by Aunt Sassy [TypeKey Profile Page] at August 29, 2007 06:13 PM

comment #31

Aladdin Sane [TypeKey Profile Page] says ...

Aunt Sassy, don't mention Jesus and Wells in the same sentence. That could get you banned!

The more Wells hates on this, the more I know I'm gonna love it.

Posted by Aladdin Sane [TypeKey Profile Page] at August 29, 2007 06:52 PM

comment #32

darb [TypeKey Profile Page] says ...

I can't believe Wells is trying to sink this movie for such arbitrary reasons. Jeff, you hate McAvoy because his nose is too big? When did you turn into a Republican?

Posted by darb [TypeKey Profile Page] at August 29, 2007 08:11 PM

comment #33

Positive Jon [TypeKey Profile Page] says ...

I can't wait for your COMPLETELY open minded and unbiased review of the film next week, because I know you'd NEVER make a judgment on a film before seeing it!

This is gonna be a long 6 months...

Posted by Positive Jon [TypeKey Profile Page] at August 29, 2007 10:13 PM

comment #34

T. Holly [TypeKey Profile Page] says ...

Who is James Christopher and why isn't he flipping for Atonement?

http://entertainment.timesonline.co.uk/tol/arts_and_entertainment/film/film_reviews/article2350206.ece

Posted by T. Holly [TypeKey Profile Page] at August 29, 2007 10:23 PM

comment #35

Heleno [TypeKey Profile Page] says ...

And suddenly you stop sounding like you're (reasonably) withholding judgment and waiting to see, and more like this is a pet hate campaign.

Posted by Heleno [TypeKey Profile Page] at August 30, 2007 03:08 AM

comment #36

Heleno [TypeKey Profile Page] says ...

Oh, and T. Holly, I guess James Christopher must be American and therefore trustworthy.

Posted by Heleno [TypeKey Profile Page] at August 30, 2007 03:09 AM

comment #37

bfm [TypeKey Profile Page] says ...

Heleno, I believe the phrase is FULLY trustworthy.

Posted by bfm [TypeKey Profile Page] at August 30, 2007 04:04 AM

comment #38

malibugigolo [TypeKey Profile Page] says ...

McEwan is this generations Henry Green. Look up old Time magazines. And how much they loved him. Who is Henry Green you ask?
Exaclty.

For a real novel try Hermann Brochs THE SLEEPWALKERS. A fitting read when you read how morality is now deemed, well he did it, he liked it so I can and I must like it, too.

Posted by malibugigolo [TypeKey Profile Page] at August 30, 2007 05:00 AM

comment #39

jgc [TypeKey Profile Page] says ...

"McEwan is this generations Henry Green. Look up old Time magazines. And how much they loved him. Who is Henry Green you ask?
Exaclty."

Dude, you overplayed your hand here. All the hate for McEwan was already pretty bogus, but dragging that poor old genius Henry Green into the fight really blew it for you. I've never really thought of Green as riding high anywhere -- if anything, he's the classic underappreciated writer -- but maybe I can ask my librarian for some old Time magazines and "look it up." (And what on earth does Hermann Broch have to do with this? Do you have some other tips for us?)

I've been reading all the bitchiness on this forum for years and usually just rolled my eyes, but I couldn't pass this up.

Posted by jgc [TypeKey Profile Page] at August 30, 2007 06:17 AM

comment #40

gruver1 [TypeKey Profile Page] says ...

Wells to dissers & dismissers: I'm not looking to hate on "Atonement" -- almost all the advance word is very positive, and I love seeing a quality film as much as the next guy. Yes, McAvoy and Knightley are speed bumps for me, but perhaps my admitting this and going in with an attitude will free things up on some level. In no way am I gearing up for a the first stages of a take-down campaign. Wright is a very talented director -- I know this -- and I'm pumped for the Dunkirk on the beach tracking shot, so let's stop with the negativity, please. All I said is that you can't trust any British-authored "Atonement" review at a level of 100% confidence due to suspicions about nationalistic fervor. I said that Elley may be speaking God's truth at an 80% or 90% level, but not 100%...is that such a radical thing to say? Yes, I have a nagging problem with McAvoy's too-eager-to-please Hugh Grant-ish manner and his bulbous Scottish nose -- I'm sorry but he bothers me in this respect (and you know that had he tried to land a leading role in an Alexander Korda film in the '30s or '40s the casting director would have said, "Talented, but his nose is too big") -- but I liked him as far as it went in "Last King of Scotland" so let's be optimistic.

Posted by gruver1 [TypeKey Profile Page] at August 30, 2007 06:34 AM

comment #41

Me [TypeKey Profile Page] says ...

Jeff, the problem is that all of your pre-screening harping on the stars and the reviewers means that it is hard for a Hollywood-Elsewhere reader to take anything you eventually write about the film at 100% confidence. If you don't like it, you may be speaking the God's truth at an 80% or 90% level, but not 100%.

But still, I'll give you credit for admitting your stumbling blocks up front - that's better than you can expect from most reviewers.

Posted by Me [TypeKey Profile Page] at August 30, 2007 07:52 AM

comment #42

malibugigolo [TypeKey Profile Page] says ...


I thought this was a discussion board.
Silly me.
But as Thurber said discussion in America means dissent.

How is Wells being a "hater"? Wouldn't someone that's knows the field be aware that publicity and/or reviews are motivated by more than simply judging a film on its own merits or that certain people have certain innate prejudices. Thinking otherwise is foolish.

jgc: Sorry for my tips. Steve Martini's Double Tap is available at your local Barnes and Noble. But I'm afraid the study guide is not out yet, so you might want to hold off until one comes out.

Posted by malibugigolo [TypeKey Profile Page] at August 30, 2007 07:56 AM

comment #43

moorish [TypeKey Profile Page] says ...

It got a 5 star review in the new Empire, just out: "the first contender for next year's Best Picture Oscar". Personally I found the book a little overwrought and dull, but I'll give the film a chance. I do think Jeff would be less likely to harp on this movie if it didn't have Kiera Knightley in it.

Posted by moorish [TypeKey Profile Page] at August 30, 2007 08:35 AM

comment #44

Ian Sinclair [TypeKey Profile Page] says ...

I am the happy owner of three novels by Henry Green and of several by Ian McEwan. They are both excellent writers with much insight into people. This insight would not fail to lead them to the irrevocable conclusion that malibugigolo is nothing more that a pretentious, elitist jerk: a jerk who, to compound his boorishness, has the ironic audacity to quote Thurber, who once said "the nation that complacently and fearfully allows its artists and writers to become suspected rather than respected is no longer regarded as a nation possessed with humor or depth."

Posted by Ian Sinclair [TypeKey Profile Page] at August 30, 2007 09:07 AM

comment #45

Flatearthsociety [TypeKey Profile Page] says ...

I've seen Atonement. I'm Irish, not British, so should have a measure of objectivity here. The first third is beautifully made but then, in spite of some admirable risktaking (and an astounding prolonged tracking shot on the beaches), it loses its way. The tension dissolves and the I quickly lost interest in the story so that, by the denouement (which I believe is very moving in the book) I didn't really care. But it's beautifully shot and the performances are uniformly good. James McAvoy and Keira Knightley aren't the most thrilling of actors but they do well here, and there's a great turn from a brilliant young English actor with the memorable name of Benedict Cumberbatch.

Posted by Flatearthsociety [TypeKey Profile Page] at August 30, 2007 09:36 AM

comment #46

T. Holly [TypeKey Profile Page] says ...

That's remarkably similar to James Christopher's review (whoever he is).

Posted by T. Holly [TypeKey Profile Page] at August 30, 2007 09:58 AM

comment #47

christian [TypeKey Profile Page] says ...

"...the film goes directly to "The English Patient" territory...

DANGER, WILL ROBINSON! DANGER!

Posted by christian [TypeKey Profile Page] at August 30, 2007 10:59 AM

comment #48

malibugigolo [TypeKey Profile Page] says ...

Thurber was an artist Ian. The other two are not.

Yeah I'm an elitist, so? What's your point?

Posted by malibugigolo [TypeKey Profile Page] at August 30, 2007 11:09 AM

comment #49

Gus Petch [TypeKey Profile Page] says ...

Every reviewer goes into a movie with biases, and Wells should be commended for acknowledging his up front. I'm pretty skeptical of this movie myself, because of Knightley. Unlike Wells, I've generally enjoyed her past work, especially in Pride and Prejudice, but dear God, check out the picture of her at the top of this page. She looks like a Holocaust survivor. For a romance to be effective, all of the romancers need to have some allure. I just don't see how a walking skeleton can project appeal or draw viewers (especially male viewers) into the romance.

I was thinking of Jeff's entry the other day that the promise of nudity raises the interest level in a movie. All I can think of with this one is "I pray she keeps her clothes on."

Posted by Gus Petch [TypeKey Profile Page] at August 30, 2007 01:30 PM

comment #50

kimi98 [TypeKey Profile Page] says ...

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Posted by kimi98 [TypeKey Profile Page] at January 12, 2008 09:52 AM

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