Atonement Not Found
Robbie
Cecilia
Briony
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Based on the Ian McEwan novel, Christopher Hampton's (Oscar Winner for Dangerous Liasons) screenplay explores the notion of consequences and the responsibility an individual has for a mistake they make as a child.
Atonement opens on the hottest day of summer, with the simmering passions of main characters similarly boiling over. High-born Cecila Tallis (Kiera Knightly) and Robbie Turner (James McAvoy), the son of a servant the family has educated, finally acknowledge a love and passion for each other that has clearly developed over their formative years.
But their dream of life long companionship is destroyed in a moment when 12-year old Briony Tallis (Saoirse Ronan) accuses Robbie, mistakenly, of a crime so heinous that in an instant his reputation, life with Cecila and dreams of an escape to the privileged classes away from his working class roots are destroyed.
As the police lead him away he pledges to Cecila that he will 'find you, love you, marry you and live without shame'. Heart broken she leaves the family home for a new life in London.
Upon reaching adulthood Briony realises her mistake and follows her sister's trail London. Embarking on the quest to make reparations, the film tells the story of the effects of her accusation. She learns that love is strong, but as you'd imagine from a McEwan novel, love is never simple or without its consequences, as illustrated by a multitude of dysfunctional relationships.
Ultimately Atonement asks the question: is redemption attainable through being sorry, especially if you have not been able to forgive yourself?
Director Joe Wrights (BAFTA Nominated for Pride and Prejudice) has created a film that while pacey, allows the story to develop and grow. Italian composer Dario Marianelli, who received an Oscar nomination for Pride and Prejuidice, deserves a second nomination for his ingenious soundtrack, which subtly takes its beat from the simple rhythm of a typewriter.
James McAvoy (Last King of Scotland) is simply outstanding. His smouldering aggression towards those who have wronged him is reminiscent of a young Brando, circa Streetcar Named Desire or On The Waterfront. Knightly obviously felt the same - having watched McAlvoy's performance, it is rumoured that she selflessly gave the top billing to her co-star.
If there was a Oscar for looking stunning Kiera Knightly would surely win. This performance, whilst by no means bad, simply isn't of an Oscar standard as it has been hyped. It does however, illustrate her continued development as an actress.
Expect to see more of young Irish actress Saoirse Ronan, who shortly starts filming the lead of Peter Jackson's adaptation of Lovely Bones. Her performance as the young Briony suggests a talent beyond her 12 years.
Finally, a trio of British actresses, Gina McVee, Brenda Blythen and Vanessa Redgrave, provide first-rate support as, respectively, Nurse Drummond, Robbie's mother Grace and the older Briony.
Atonement is a superbly acted, moving drama that's easily one of the best British films of the year.
But their dream of life long companionship is destroyed in a moment when 12-year old Briony Tallis (Saoirse Ronan) accuses Robbie, mistakenly, of a crime so heinous that in an instant his reputation, life with Cecila and dreams of an escape to the privileged classes away from his working class roots are destroyed.
As the police lead him away he pledges to Cecila that he will 'find you, love you, marry you and live without shame'. Heart broken she leaves the family home for a new life in London.
Upon reaching adulthood Briony realises her mistake and follows her sister's trail London. Embarking on the quest to make reparations, the film tells the story of the effects of her accusation. She learns that love is strong, but as you'd imagine from a McEwan novel, love is never simple or without its consequences, as illustrated by a multitude of dysfunctional relationships.
Ultimately Atonement asks the question: is redemption attainable through being sorry, especially if you have not been able to forgive yourself?
Director Joe Wrights (BAFTA Nominated for Pride and Prejudice) has created a film that while pacey, allows the story to develop and grow. Italian composer Dario Marianelli, who received an Oscar nomination for Pride and Prejuidice, deserves a second nomination for his ingenious soundtrack, which subtly takes its beat from the simple rhythm of a typewriter.
James McAvoy (Last King of Scotland) is simply outstanding. His smouldering aggression towards those who have wronged him is reminiscent of a young Brando, circa Streetcar Named Desire or On The Waterfront. Knightly obviously felt the same - having watched McAlvoy's performance, it is rumoured that she selflessly gave the top billing to her co-star.
If there was a Oscar for looking stunning Kiera Knightly would surely win. This performance, whilst by no means bad, simply isn't of an Oscar standard as it has been hyped. It does however, illustrate her continued development as an actress.
Expect to see more of young Irish actress Saoirse Ronan, who shortly starts filming the lead of Peter Jackson's adaptation of Lovely Bones. Her performance as the young Briony suggests a talent beyond her 12 years.
Finally, a trio of British actresses, Gina McVee, Brenda Blythen and Vanessa Redgrave, provide first-rate support as, respectively, Nurse Drummond, Robbie's mother Grace and the older Briony.
Atonement is a superbly acted, moving drama that's easily one of the best British films of the year.
Here Is The Writer : Martin Gallagher
Martin Gallagher has never played for West Ham or England, nor had a number one hit single, but he has worked in the City for many years (for what that's worth). A life-long Londoner, he made the migration from east to west a few years back and is still trying to get used to the absence of fried chicken takeaways and the over abdundance of coffee shops. Martin is married, has two daughters, and is also interested in travelling, football and writing. He hopes to publish his first novel 'sometime in the future'.
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