| Posted by: Natty at June 12, 2008, 9:37 am | | Topic: Atonement Forum: JoBlo | | An excellent film. All the performances were great and Joe Wright was robbed of a director nomination. 8/10 | | Static Link |
| Posted by: Trail_Blazer at May 2, 2008, 2:49 pm | | Topic: Atonement Forum: JoBlo | | I was stoned way the fuck outta my head when I attempted to watch this one. I loved Pride & Prejudice, and I'm a big fan of Knightley's.... Anyway, I couldn't get beyond about 30 minutes in. I'm not sure if the weed was affecting my judgement when I turned the fucker off, or not. So I'm thinking because of all the fantastic reviews people give it, that I should give it one more shot. I guess weed doesn't make EVERYTHING entertaining or amusing. | | Static Link |
| Posted by: hasselbrad at May 1, 2008, 12:21 pm | | Topic: Atonement Forum: JoBlo | | Can't really say any more than the first two posts. This is a cinematic gem. It was one of those rare films that stays with you for days... even weeks after viewing. The tragedy of the story is all consuming. I'll admit my fanboy status for Miss Knightley readily, but I think this film proves that she is an actress... not simply a star. I was shocked she wasn't nominated, but then her screen time was a bit shorter than what might normally be required for a best actress nod. Besides, she would have lost (and rightly so) to Marion Cotillard anyway. James McAvoy was spectacular. Saoirse Ronan and Romola Garai were as well. Joe Wright has established himself as one of the finest directors working. The cinematography and score were brilliant. | | Static Link |
| Posted by: movieme07 at February 25, 2008, 2:13 am | | Topic: Atonement Forum: JoBlo | | Quote: Originally Posted by movieme07 Well as the folks who shot down my arguments about Atonement will no doubt be happy about, Atonement won Best Drama at Golden Globes. I was needless to say pissed beyond all measure, but I'm comforted now. I honestly don't think this movie will win any Oscars. Why? Babel. Atonement did almost the exact same thing that Babel did last year. It got the most Golden Globe nominations (7, same as Babel) and got Best Drama after winning practically nothing else (to its credit Atonement did win Best Score, which I happily voted it for on Golden Globe polls, I like that score). Babel then went on to do nothing at the Oscars except for Best Score, as I predict Atonement will do too. So I may still end up a happy man yet. Whoo, should've taken bets on that shit! Seriously, between the Babel effect and the Dreamgirls effect happening to Enchanted, I think they just took large chunks of the script from last year and changed the names. Hey, to everyone who loved Atonement, I hated Acr... | | Read Entire Entry |
| Posted by: corran horn at February 22, 2008, 5:32 pm | | Topic: Atonement Forum: JoBlo | | When I went to see ATONEMENT a few weeks ago, I went in with mixed feelings. I liked James McAvoy and wanted to see Saoirse (someone please help me pronounce this!) Ronan before she appears in LOVELY BONES. However, all the promo hype about romance made me skittish, and a strident fan on the AwardsDaily blog was really getting on my nerves. I should have known better... First off, McAvoy is just phenominal in this. I found his character easy to sympathize with and a wonderful one to watch. His part of the story I enjoyed most. Ronan was also very impressive, and I can see why Peter Jackson chose her for LB. The only real disappointment was Romola Garai. She just felt flat to me, lacking Ronan's sliminess and Redgrave's wistfulness. The cinematography was first rate, ESPECIALLY the tracking shot, and the production value captured the period perfectly. Judging from this, I think it's safe to say that Joe Wright is quickly becoming one of Britain's most talented young directors, and I eagerly await THE SOLOIST ... | | Read Entire Entry |
| Posted by: Katsumoto at February 18, 2008, 10:25 pm | | Topic: Atonement Forum: JoBlo | | Quote: Originally Posted by Briare Rabbit Not exactly. Joe Wright has said he wanted to make an almost literal adaptation of the novel, the tracking shot on the beach was a way to show off the impeccable technical aspect of the production and to convey a sense of dispair that a character can only feel in his thoughts on paper. That may be the story on why it was done, but Wright had a real thought in how it was done. He also wanted to show off. I just want to say that I loved the whole shot and loved the entire movie. | | Static Link |
| Posted by: Briare Rabbit at February 18, 2008, 10:12 pm | | Topic: Atonement Forum: JoBlo | | Quote: Originally Posted by Backstabba Okay! This is coming from a fan of Atonement, and a fan of the tracking shot. But here's the facts. The celebrated 5 1/2 minute tracking shot was done in four takes (the third one was used). It was conceived out of necessity, for the crew only had a day to film and had limited time with the 1,000 extras and had to shoot before the tide would come in and wash away the set. It was NECESSARY to do it. So they thought "Why not do it in a interesting, creative way?". Not exactly. Joe Wright has said he wanted to make an almost literal adaptation of the novel, the tracking shot on the beach was a way to show off the impeccable technical aspect of the production and to convey a sense of dispair that a character can only feel in his thoughts on paper. That may be the story on why it was done, but Wright had a real thought in how it was done. | | Static Link |
| Posted by: bigred760 at February 18, 2008, 9:54 pm | | Topic: Atonement Forum: JoBlo | | I really don't care why they did it; it was a cool ass tracking shot. | | Static Link |
| Posted by: Backstabba at February 18, 2008, 9:22 pm | | Topic: Atonement Forum: JoBlo | Okay! This is coming from a fan of Atonement, and a fan of the tracking shot.
But here's the facts. The celebrated 5 1/2 minute tracking shot was done in four takes (the third one was used). It was conceived out of necessity, for the crew only had a day to film and had limited time with the 1,000 extras and had to shoot before the tide would come in and wash away the set. It was NECESSARY to do it.
So they thought "Why not do it in a interesting, creative way?". | | Static Link |
| Posted by: Briare Rabbit at February 18, 2008, 9:12 pm | | Topic: Atonement Forum: JoBlo | | Quote: Originally Posted by Ronaldinho I've got to join the camp that says the tracking shot in "Atonement" was tedious. It felt like somebody was trying to say "look at this cool tracking shot." From a technical standpoint, was it impressive? Yes. (Albiet not half as much so as a couple of the long shots in "Children of Men"). But dramatically, I didn't feel like it revealed anything. Nothing was happening, so more it was like, "okay, sit back, enjoy the tracking shot." Also, unlike the "Goodfellas" shot, it wasn't anybody's point of view. When the camera swirls around the singing soldiers, that's completely disconnected with the character's experience. There's no connection between what he's doing and what we're seeing, except insomuch as they're happening in the same location. No. The purpose of the shot was to convey hopelessness. Notice this beach is also the last thing Robbie will see before he dies. So, no. Its not pointless. At all. It only adds impac... | | Read Entire Entry |
| Posted by: dannywalker17 at February 18, 2008, 5:21 pm | | Topic: Atonement Forum: JoBlo | | Gotta agree with Monotreme and bigred there. | | Static Link |
| Posted by: Monotreme at February 17, 2008, 6:02 pm | | Topic: Atonement Forum: JoBlo | | Quote: Originally Posted by hoojib127 Well, if that's really the case, then maybe - just maybe - I'll give it a shot eventually after all. Why wouldn't it be the case? It's not like we're trying to sell you the movie, we just want you to give it a chance | | Static Link |
| Posted by: hoojib127 at February 15, 2008, 7:17 pm | | Topic: Atonement Forum: JoBlo | | Well, if that's really the case, then maybe - just maybe - I'll give it a shot eventually after all. | | Static Link |
| Posted by: bigred760 at February 15, 2008, 4:14 pm | | Topic: Atonement Forum: JoBlo | | Well, they are the "romantic" leads, but they're not the only main characters in the movie. The whole relationship between them and Briony and how it changes is what drives the story, and what makes it an impressive movie. | | Static Link |
| Posted by: Monotreme at February 15, 2008, 11:56 am | | Topic: Atonement Forum: JoBlo | | The film's main characters aren't even the two "romantic leads", Kiera Knightley and James McAvoy, but rather the character of Briony that due to not being portrayed by a famous actress (well, one-third of the character was, but the younger versions are not) was pushed to the sidelines in advertising. | | Static Link |
| Posted by: bigred760 at February 14, 2008, 4:12 pm | | Topic: Atonement Forum: JoBlo | | Quote: Originally Posted by Monotreme You have to trust me on this one, if anything this film is NOT a romantic period drama set against an epic backdrop. It is a small, subdued film that for the entire first half takes place in the same set and in the second half still stays very personal and introverted. Also, a romantic period drama is misleading: it's more like a period dramatic tragedy, and a tragedy of epic, Shakespearian proportions. Blatant Oscar bait it is not, it is truly and sincerely an amazing piece of filmmaking, not only technically but also in terms of its story that is much different from the other "films like this" as you put it. It's a clever disguise, but there is far more to this than your classic Mercheant-Ivory productions from the 80's-90's. I agree; it doesn't play out like a romantic drama. It's a really well made movie with great performances, directing (particularly the 5-minute panning shot of the beach). I wasn't expecting much when I saw it, but was impressed after wa... | | Read Entire Entry |
| Posted by: Monotreme at February 14, 2008, 12:22 pm | | Topic: Atonement Forum: JoBlo | | Quote: Originally Posted by hoojib127 This is the only Best Picture-nominated film I haven't seen...and have no real intention of seeing it. Another romantic period drama set against an epic backdrop? Blatant Oscar bait much? I've already seen far too many films like this in my lifetime and I really don't have room for anymore. I'm sure it's good, especially from a technical standpoint, but I've since realized I've got more exotic fish to fry in my short time on this planet. At any rate, good luck on Oscar night. You have to trust me on this one, if anything this film is NOT a romantic period drama set against an epic backdrop. It is a small, subdued film that for the entire first half takes place in the same set and in the second half still stays very personal and introverted. Also, a romantic period drama is misleading: it's more like a period dramatic tragedy, and a tragedy of epic, Shakespearian proportions. Blatant Oscar bait it is not, it is truly and sincerely an amazing piece of filmmaking, not only ... | | Read Entire Entry |
| Posted by: hoojib127 at February 13, 2008, 7:29 pm | | Topic: Atonement Forum: JoBlo | | This is the only Best Picture-nominated film I haven't seen...and have no real intention of seeing it. Another romantic period drama set against an epic backdrop? Blatant Oscar bait much? I've already seen far too many films like this in my lifetime and I really don't have room for anymore. I'm sure it's good, especially from a technical standpoint, but I've since realized I've got more exotic fish to fry in my short time on this planet. At any rate, good luck on Oscar night. | | Static Link |
| Posted by: Kikabi at February 13, 2008, 6:30 pm | | Topic: Atonement Forum: JoBlo | | I finally caught all the Oscar nominated films, this one being the last. It's superb in nearly all areas, but the flaws in storytelling bothered me too much whilst I watched. I had to ask myself a couple of times, "Who's story is this?" Is it Robbie's or is it Briony's? Well, that got sorted out at the end, but I didn't like having that question pop into my mind whilst watching it. Because I got to know very little about who Cecelia is, I didn't care one way or another about her. That shallow characterization led to a rather shallow romance. I longed to learn more about Briony; she seemed to have lots of potential for rich characterization. From what I've read here, she has in the book, but I didn't see it translated very much on screen. I feel I should feel something about her after the film, but I really don't. James McAvoy did a superb job with Robbie, the one character we get to know well, so I cared deeply about him. So I found the movie disappointing. It's gorgeous to look at, well-directed, ... | | Read Entire Entry |
| Posted by: bigred760 at January 25, 2008, 11:36 am | | Topic: Atonement Forum: JoBlo | | I enjoyed the movie more than I thought I would. It seemed the movie was split in two, the first half dealing with the story of forbidden love and misunderstandings, while the second deals with tragedy and trying to make up for bad deeds - hence the title of the movie. I think there is a lot of underlying symbolism and meaning that I appreciated more than the movie itself. The very end of the movie locked it in for me, where the author explains what her book is about, and I thought that was a very nice touch to everything I had just seen onscreen. I watched this movie because of its Oscar nomination; I try to catch as many of the nominees I can every year (I usually end up watching four, this being the fourth I've seen of this year's nominees). I'm glad I did, since - like I said - I liked it more than I expected to. 8/10 | | Static Link |
| Posted by: speedbeaver at January 14, 2008, 3:10 pm | | Topic: Atonement Forum: JoBlo | | 3rd best movie of 2007 (behind Into The Wild and Juno). Damn good stuff. Saoirse Ronan deserves the oscar. | | Static Link |
| Posted by: Ronaldinho at January 14, 2008, 12:18 pm | | Topic: Atonement Forum: JoBlo | | Quote: Originally Posted by movieme07 Well as the folks who shot down my arguments about Atonement will no doubt be happy about, Atonement won Best Drama at Golden Globes. I was needless to say pissed beyond all measure, but I'm comforted now. The Golden Globes are given out by the Hollywood Foreign Press Association - a group which has, I believe, zero overlap with voting members of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences. The guild awards are much better predictors of the oscars, particularly the SAG awards since actors make up the single largest voting block in the Academy. | | Static Link |
| Posted by: anakinsrise at January 14, 2008, 12:02 pm | | Topic: Atonement Forum: JoBlo | | Like the great works of Ernest Hemingway (The Sun Also Rises,A Farewell to Arms) Atonement places two lovers in the middle of situations that are bleak and devastating. I liked that the film reveals itself in layers.Young Briony Tallis, (Saoirse Ronan) misinterprets something innocent between Robbie Turner (James McAvoy) & Cecilia Tallis (Keira Knightley) as something sinister.Accompanied by a letter written by Robbie this leads to a horrible accusation that will seperate the lovers. As the movie progresses we also see jealousy and a school girl crush are also factors to the devestating accusations.Even as the years pass Briony keeps the truth to herself.Her supervising nurse unknowingly assists her in keeping the truth hidden by not allowing her to state her first name or have a bond with the worn torn soldiers she cares for. I dont know how deeply Ian McEwan's book goes into the relationship between Robbie & Cecilia but i would have liked to have seen more of a connection between the two.Yes the lo... | | Read Entire Entry |
| Posted by: Briare Rabbit at January 14, 2008, 4:50 am | | Topic: Atonement Forum: JoBlo | | Yeah but Babel fuckin blew. Atonement won't get any Oscars, because that race is between No Country and TWBB and this year the Globes mean jack fuckin shit. | | Static Link |
| Posted by: movieme07 at January 14, 2008, 1:50 am | | Topic: Atonement Forum: JoBlo | | Well as the folks who shot down my arguments about Atonement will no doubt be happy about, Atonement won Best Drama at Golden Globes. I was needless to say pissed beyond all measure, but I'm comforted now. I honestly don't think this movie will win any Oscars. Why? Babel. Atonement did almost the exact same thing that Babel did last year. It got the most Golden Globe nominations (7, same as Babel) and got Best Drama after winning practically nothing else (to its credit Atonement did win Best Score, which I happily voted it for on Golden Globe polls, I like that score). Babel then went on to do nothing at the Oscars except for Best Score, as I predict Atonement will do too. So I may still end up a happy man yet. | | Static Link |
| Posted by: franky4fingerz at January 14, 2008, 1:22 am | | Topic: Atonement Forum: JoBlo | | Quote: Originally Posted by PreySlayDisplay Atonement wasn't a bad flick I thought, I'm just not going to jump onto the proverbial Oscar bandwagon just because a film has British accents, World War II, jumps around a lot and is based on a book. I agree that the cinematography was breath taking and that the acting was excellent. But the film to me seemed like it was all dressed up and had nowhere to go. Nice place to visit, but I wouldn't want to live there. I agree 100%. I just got home from seeing this movie and I must say it was just ok. And now I see that it has beaten no country, there will be blood, and american gangster for the best film golden globe. Now that is goddamn shame. 6/10 | | Static Link |
| Posted by: PreySlayDisplay at January 13, 2008, 3:37 am | | Topic: Atonement Forum: JoBlo | | Atonement wasn't a bad flick I thought, I'm just not going to jump onto the proverbial Oscar bandwagon just because a film has British accents, World War II, jumps around a lot and is based on a book. I agree that the cinematography was breath taking and that the acting was excellent. But the film to me seemed like it was all dressed up and had nowhere to go. Nice place to visit, but I wouldn't want to live there. | | Static Link |
| Posted by: DaMovieMan at January 7, 2008, 1:48 am | | Topic: Atonement Forum: JoBlo | | Apart from being technically impressive, the tracking shot for me showed war in one take. Desperation, patriotism, trying to find happiness in horrific situations, mutilation etc. etc. All that in one take? I like that. The director could have been showing off just for the sake of showing off but seeing as war is a major theme of the movie (and novel) I believe the tracking shot is more than that. Children of Men's tracking shot was CGI mostly, which put me off. Out of the three mentioned the Goodfellas one is my favorite though. I agree that the love story between Cecilia and Robbie should of had more basis and should have been more deeply explored. That's the major flaw of the movie. | | Static Link |
| Posted by: Ronaldinho at January 6, 2008, 10:58 pm | | Topic: Atonement Forum: JoBlo | | I've got to join the camp that says the tracking shot in "Atonement" was tedious. It felt like somebody was trying to say "look at this cool tracking shot." From a technical standpoint, was it impressive? Yes. (Albiet not half as much so as a couple of the long shots in "Children of Men"). But dramatically, I didn't feel like it revealed anything. Nothing was happening, so more it was like, "okay, sit back, enjoy the tracking shot." Also, unlike the "Goodfellas" shot, it wasn't anybody's point of view. When the camera swirls around the singing soldiers, that's completely disconnected with the character's experience. There's no connection between what he's doing and what we're seeing, except insomuch as they're happening in the same location. | | Static Link |
| Posted by: Backstabba at January 6, 2008, 9:56 pm | | Topic: Atonement Forum: JoBlo | Quote: Originally Posted by BakeTheMooCow SPOILERS
*
*
*
*
* What it showed me was that Cecelia and Robbie barely spoke before supposedly falling so madly in love that it resonated for their entire lives. Their romance was underdeveloped and the dialogue was a large reason why. It was sparse and stilted. That's because they're not pointless. The tracking shot in Goodfellas was an introduction to the people in the gangsters' lives. 'Children of Men' was literally done in a series of long takes. Doesn't compare. In 'Atonement', the movie came to a stop, while the camera panned around for four minutes and showed the viewer scenes that added nothing to the story. Joe Wright himself said about the shot, "Basically I just like showing off". It was completely irrelevant to the movie. And the ending... is a cheat. You can fanwank about the many 'maybes', but it doesn't change that fact. It's the equivalent of 'It was all a dream'
*
*
*
*
*
END SPOILERS SPOILERS!!... | | Read Entire Entry |
| Posted by: Briare Rabbit at January 6, 2008, 9:47 pm | | Topic: Atonement Forum: JoBlo | | Id like to hear these apparent flaws. As the acting is superb and the story near flawless. | | Static Link |
| Posted by: SamSanchez at January 6, 2008, 9:34 pm | | Topic: Atonement Forum: JoBlo | | Quote: Originally Posted by Briare Rabbit The NBR is a joke and are regarded about as highly as the GG. Which could be said about 95% of all award shows, including the Oscars themselves. To be fair, I did force myself to watch Atonement, and I'll admit that it was better than expected. I did find it incredibly flawed, but from a technical standpoint, was very impressive. I still consider it overhyped, but it wasn't absolute garbage as the previews made it appear. Overall, I would give it around 7/10. | | Static Link |
| Posted by: Briare Rabbit at January 6, 2008, 8:53 pm | | Topic: Atonement Forum: JoBlo | | Quote: Originally Posted by SamSanchez NBR Top 10 of the Year....in the same breath as Atonement The NBR is a joke and are regarded about as highly as the GG. | | Static Link |
| Posted by: BakeTheMooCow at January 6, 2008, 8:51 pm | | Topic: Atonement Forum: JoBlo | | SPOILERS * * * * * Quote: Originally Posted by Backstabba Well there were a LOT of uncomfortable conversation moments in the film, so do you expect them to be chatting like mockingbirds? And what's wrong with "showing and not telling"? Sometimes people complain for too much telling and not enough showing. What it showed me was that Cecelia and Robbie barely spoke before supposedly falling so madly in love that it resonated for their entire lives. Their romance was underdeveloped and the dialogue was a large reason why. It was sparse and stilted. Quote: The same could be said about the tracking shot in Goodfellas, Children of Men, etc. But no one calls them pointless, they praise the hell out of them. That's because they're not pointless. The tracking shot in Goodfellas was an introduction to the people in the gangsters' lives. 'Children of Men' was literally done in a series of long takes. Doesn't compare. In 'Atonement', the movie came to a stop, while the camera panned around for four minutes an... | | Read Entire Entry |
| Posted by: DaMovieMan at January 6, 2008, 3:48 pm | | Topic: Atonement Forum: JoBlo | | This movie was really great. Not your classic love story aimed directly at the ladies which I like. The direction, music, cinematography and acting really deserve praise. The twist in the end really made the film for me. It's a solid 8/10. The only gripe I have now is that Keira Knightley is being slated as the Lead Actress which she very obviously isn't. This movie has a clear leading Actor and no lead Actress, certainly not the older sister character. | | Static Link |
| Posted by: Rawlin67 at January 6, 2008, 2:47 pm | | Topic: Atonement Forum: JoBlo | | Quote: Originally Posted by ilovemovies I've only seen the first 15 minutes of The Great Debaters so far but I liked what I saw. Plus Denzel never disappoints. Or at least he rarely disappoints. Plus you have Forrest Whitaker as a costar. How can this go wrong? by using the same formula for a thousand other movies and offering nothing new to the formula, which generates in what is an extremely generic experiences with good performances. thats probably how. im not saying its bad, cuz i didnt see it, but it looks pretty damn easy for the great debaters to do wrong. we only need so many Remember the Titans before it doesnt feel fresh, and when you take the movie to a debate floor....well then youre pushing it. | | Static Link |
| Posted by: Backstabba at January 6, 2008, 1:11 am | | Topic: Atonement Forum: JoBlo | | Quote: Originally Posted by BakeTheMooCow - The dialogue between the character is infuriating. If you've ever seen Eddie Izzard's bit about movies - you'll see how Atonement is exactly like his joke about British films. Lots of "Oh.. I... oh.... I.. hmmm.." and very little actually said. - The long tracking shot of a war-torn beach was technically impressive, but ultimately pointless. *SPOILERS* - The ending was a cheat. Briony, as an old woman, admits that the entire story is real but the fate of Robbie and Cecelia was embellished to provide hope and a positive message to readers. If the entire story up until the tracking shot, after which Robbie falls asleep, is real, and the remainder of the film is made up by Briony - then the plot doesn't make sense. In the scene where Briony confesses and apologizes, Cecelia tells Robbie to 'come back, come back to me'. There is no way Briony knows about how Cecelia says those words to Robbie earlier. Unless -- the alternate explanation is that the entire sto... | | Read Entire Entry |
| Posted by: Rawlin67 at January 5, 2008, 8:37 pm | | Topic: Atonement Forum: JoBlo | | My favorite film this year. I only have five important films from last year left to see, so this might just end up staying at the top of the list. Its a gorgeous film that has a classic touch to it thats just stunning. James McAvoy deserves a nomination for this powerful performance. | | Static Link |
| Posted by: the saw is family at January 5, 2008, 8:26 pm | | Topic: Atonement Forum: JoBlo | | atonement-10/10. i went in to this expecting something good, but when i left the theatre i had seen something great. the story is so engaging, so heartbreaking you can't help but be sucked in. the tragedy in the film is on a truly epic level. the performances are fantastic. the film is shot so beautifully, the tracking shot in dunkirk is cinematic history. i'm not one to really get emotional while in a theatre, but the ending really had me broke down. the film is simply excellent. it's currently the second best film of the year imo. | | Static Link |
| Posted by: SamSanchez at January 3, 2008, 11:57 am | | Topic: Atonement Forum: JoBlo | | Maybe it may come as a shock to you, but all I did was indeed state an opinion and then respond to DIRECT questions and comments. I'm not the one that discovered the equation: Disliking of Atonement = Hatred of all Film | | Static Link |
|