topiary

When I first saw this I was quite happy with the film. I thought it was a tasteful adaptation of the brilliant novel. I've been surprised, however, at how forgettable the film is. It's not a film that takes a hold on you even for just a little while. The book pulls you in and includes one of the best descriptions of what it must've been like to work at a hospital during W.W.II that I've ever read. The film is beautiful to look at, and Joe Wright is a capable and gifted director. However there is a sense of detachment that permeates the whole film. James McAvoy, wonderful in "The Last King of Scotland," is stymied by the painterly scenes that don't let their characters be real, breathing people. The music is pleasant but has the effect of just adding to the whole package. The music says "Now, you must feel this way." The only thing that is truly worth seeing in this film is Vanessa Redgrave at the end of the film. Sure, the film will get Oscars. It's the kind of film major award-givers love. It's a love story set in the inter-war years that segues into W.W.II. There is a long tracking shot of a battlefield. Who can resist these? But it's all glitter and not much substance. I like the fact that there are filmmakers willing to adapt complex novels into films, and they should continue to do so. However about this film I must say, read the book!!

I agree with those who say the film does not deserve its current high rating. I had high expectations after reading the reviews. I was rather disappointed. Clive Owen is good, and the film is well filmed in general. The action scenes are realistic. However the film is much shallower than it pretends to be, and there is little that is original in it. Much of the film shows people shooting at one another and otherwise being vicious. But for the "world-gone-to-hell" near-future settings, there are better films. There is little character development either. I liked the animals--cats, dogs-- in the film (and there are quite a few). They seemed to embody some sort of normality. It is worth watching if you are a Clive Owen fan, but this film left me with the feeling that it is evasive, escapist and soothing, instead of being bold and thought-provoking which I think it was meant to be.

I just saw this film in Paris. The showing was accompanied by a band that played wonderfully. The film is very interesting. Some of the scenes seemed a little long and were not particularly innovative. I also wasn't that taken with the female protagonist-- not with her personality or the acting. However the film also includes couple of scenes that are mesmerizing. In particular the scene in which the husband goes into a mysterious building and encounters a roomfull of men, who are all potential detectives, is one of the most remarkable I've ever seen. Together with the music, the film is delightful.