Atonement (2007)
Atonement (2007) 8/10
About halfway through the film, there is one scene in the film that is simply breathtakingly brilliant. It is a long, tracking shot of Dunkirk, as the camera masterfully follows James McAvoy through a beach encampment. Lasting at least 3 minutes, it is a masterful sequence that made me sit up when i realised that it was an tracking shot. I daresay it is one of the most impressive tracking shots i’ve seen in a long time, one to rival the famous tracking shots in films like Goodfellas.
But enough about the one scene. The film, based on the novel by Ian McEwan, is not only technically brilliant, it also features top notch casts. Kiera Knightley, after a solid performance in Pride and Prejudice, once gives a magnetic performance with pitch perfect accent. And James McAvoy, who was overshadowed by Forest Whitaker in The Last King of Scotland, finally holds his own with a solid and memorable performance. But it is young Saoirse Ronan, who plays the 13 year old Briony, who singlehandedly steals the show. It is an assured and confident performance by a young talent. Unfortunately, Romola Garai, who plays Briony aged 18, is bland and probably miscast. When Garai faces off with Knightley and McAvoy in one explosive scene later in the film, her performance is totally overshadowed.
As a film about love, betrayal and atonement, director Joe Wright crafts a masterful tale with gorgeous cinematography which is technically perfect. Helped by a strong cast and a solid script, Atonement looks set to be a contender come Oscar season. Already, Atonement has garnered multiple Golden Globes nominations, and most deserving of the accolades.
“Each period and scene in the movie is compelling on its own terms, and then compelling on a deeper level as a playing out of the destiny that was sealed beside the fountain on that perfect summer’s day.” Roger Ebert
“Rarely has a book sprung so vividly to life, but also worked so enthrallingly in pure movie terms, as with “Atonement,” Brit helmer Joe Wright’s smart, dazzlingly upholstered adaptation of Ian McEwan’s celebrated 2001 novel.”- Variety
