Atonement: A Brief Review
Initial opinion:
It was better than I’d anticipated in all categories, except for acting. I was not drawn to or compelled by any of the characters.
Oscar Snub:
I am quite surprised that director Joe Wright did not receive a nomination. He more than deserved it for Atonement, but then again, he was previously ignored for his work behind the camera on Pride & Prejudice.
Overrated Oscar Nod:
Supporting Actress Saoirse Ronan. The young star was memorable, but not Academy Award caliber…especially when compared to others in her category like Cate Blanchett. Ruby Dee (American Gangster) may be this year’s Gloria Stuart (Titanic, the sentimental vote), but I can see the potential for Ronan to sneak the victory a la Anna Paquin (The Piano).
Highlights:
- The screenplay
- The beautiful cinematography, including a long and brilliant single-shot war sequence on and around the beach
- The original score
- Keira Knightley’s green dress (although she REALLY needs to eat a few sandwiches)
- The brief yet impactful appearance of Vanessa Redgrave at the end of the film
Do you need to see it in the theater before the Oscars on Sunday? Only if you’re the kind of person that likes to have seen all Best Picture nominees before the trophies are doled out. Otherwise, it will be a great rental. And tell your husbands and boyfriends that it is not a chick flick; a large portion of the movie focuses on a soldier at war.