With the Oscars less than two weeks away, those of you who haven’t had a chance to see all the best picture nominees may want to stop by your local theatre and review some of the entries. One of those nominated is “Atonement,” a period romantic melodrama based on the novel by Ian McEwen. A purposefully visual cinematic experience, with impassioned performances from the stars, it is a perfect case study of what Oscar voters fancy.
Slim on dialogue with music that can be overpowering at times, it is not the standard fare that would capture the attention or appreciation of mass audiences had it not received an Oscar nod. Despite its lack of mainstream appeal, “Atonement” does have a haunting, heartbreaking aspect that will affect those who are willing to take the journey.
The film starts in England during 1935, on the estate of a wealthy family with two daughters. The younger daughter, Briony, is 13 and a burgeoning writer who tries to influence her visiting cousins into performing one of her completed plays for the family. The older daughter, Cecilia (Keira Knightly, “Pirates of the Caribbean: At World’s End”) is of the appropriate age to be courted by a suitor, however her interest seems to be in Robbie (James McAvoy, “The Last King of Scotland”), who is a worker on her father’s estate. Many unexpected things occur over the course of one night, leading to a serious crime and a case of mistaken identity that separates the budding lovers. We get to see further along into the story, as the characters must deal with Britain’s involvement in World War II, which affects all their lives.
McAvoy and Knightly pour their hearts into each of their performances. McAvoy has shunned films that are more commercial by appearing in quite a few indie dramas, which allows him to gamble creatively, to much acclaim. Knightly has balanced her mainstream career with some smaller budget roles, permitting her to express herself artistically. Both roles are rich with lovelorn stares, heated exchanges and upsetting scenes that lend themselves to powerful acting. It is surprising that neither was nominated based on these performances.
Three actresses play Briony at different points in her life. Saoirse Ronan, who was nominated for best supporting actress, plays her at 13 with a seriousness that doesn’t overshadow her innocence or the nagging feeling she is on the verge of a tantrum. Seeing a scene both from her eyes and as it actually happens lends credence to her unanticipated betrayal later. Vanessa Redgrave (“Venus”) is the older Briony, and in the short time that she is onscreen, she has the audience absolutely riveted by some unexpected revelations.
While director Joe Wright (“Pride & Prejudice”) shoots the film beautifully, there are times when the story jumps back and forth in time rather jarringly, causing some frustration as a plot point or character is seemingly abandoned. The movie’s tempo can be slow and meandering.
Those looking for a sad but romantic tale that takes its time unfolding will likely enjoy “Atonement.” For the rest of the movie-going public, appreciation of artistic merit may not transfer into out-and-out entertainment.
Rated R for disturbing war images, language and some sexuality.
