The Law of Enclosures

I missed a film class to see this movie, it was closing after only a week so I decided to see the last showing, a late Thursday. Thanks God, I missed my class, because I REALLY loved the film. I read the first review on the site and I'm in total disagreement with it. I cannot understand how you cannot be in awe with the film. The acting is top-notch especially from Diane Ladd and Sarah Polley. I didn't read the novel but it is so intelligently adapted to the screen. The diverse narrative reminded me of a Scott Heim novel. The film may not be an ideal first-date material but if you're open-minded you'll love The Law of Enclosures. Anyhow, I really enjoyed the film so GO SEE IT! ;.)

The film depicts the relationship between Beatrice and Henry as children, teenagers, and an elderly couple. The narrative, however, presents all three stages during the Persian Gulf crisis. Greyson ties these elements together with the use of a clock which "stops time" (in essence).

The film tends to be a bit on the strange side, but has a good story and a great concept. A nice change of pace from the usual narrative! Based on the novel by Dale Peck.

I have seen The Law of Enclosures twice now. Although there are several flaws in the film, there are also many moments of brilliance. The director wove wonderful metaphors throughout the film, and the cinematography also had its moments. Brendan Fletcher gives an amazing performance - as always. I, personally, was fascinated by the film and am looking forward to director John Greyson moving onward and upward.

A great film about the struggles and decline of relationships. Sarah Polley is excellent as usual, she can just do no wrong in my book. Her character is a somber, depressed young women after her relationship with Brenden Fletcher changes from its romantic beginning to a lonely, neglected existence. The older couple of Dianne Ladd and Sean McCann is a particularly vicious pairing, they are very, very cruel to each other. Nice music/background sounds creating an atmospheric feel that puts one in touch with the mood of the film,... changes, life, pain, love, a story about these simple and complicated things.

Although I tend to pick some rather unconventional films to deem "my favorites" it baffles me to see very little about this movie anywhere on the net, and even more people who have never seen it. Brilliantly cast, beautiful cinematography, and the surreal (yet very real at the same time) timescape, make this movie unsurpassable and should be a staple in anyones top ten list. I can't find any information when or IF this will be out on video or DVD and it bothers me even more to see such negative comments about it. I'm beginning to think I saw a different movie. Yes, its long and it borders vaguely on magical realism at times, but I think these are necessary in capturing 40 years of a couples normal (yet uniquely personal) life together in the matter of one year. I still feel the knot in my chest at the end when the clock actually starts ticking again, signifying the end of this emotional landslide of tragedy and happiness.

One side note I would like to point out is the question of who actually has seen this movie!! The comments I've seen on the net and the reviews its gotten make me wonder what audience actually went to see it and why no one else did. There was one scene where the eldest couple of Bea and Hank finally grasped what they had been missing all along. In this beautiful scene a couple have finally fallen back in love after what seems like 40 years and they are laying in bed nude. In this scene I was on the edge of tears and people were actually laughing and snickering that there was nudity of older people sleeping together. So if you are offended by experimental film techniques, dramatic climaxes, and most importantly images of people over the age of 23 nude, then maybe you shouldn't watch this movie. If not, find a copy or a showing of this movie right now and watch it.