Anna Karenina (2012)

3/5

Joe Wright's Anna Karenina is a stunning reinterpretation of the Tolstoy novel. No, I haven't read the book, but I imagine it doesn't all take place within a theater. And I'll bet money that it doesn't contain some of the most gorgeous, luscious cinematography ever laid to film. So for that, I must give Joe Wright credit, as he has once again constructed a visual masterpiece. But unfortunately that is where the accolades must end.

I really didn't think there was much here. It's not deep, it's not profound. It's not even a love story. It's basically a story of a selfish person with no self-control in a society whose rules are not so different from our own. Like I said, I haven't read the book, but I imagine it's not as famous as it is unless it contained a little more depth than what I was able to extract here. The acting, the story, and the pacing all failed to impress me (although getting such a behemoth of a book down to 130 minutes is an achievement in itself). While I was able to enjoy the beautiful set pieces and costumes, the astounding cinematography, and the clever directing, that is not enough to carry this movie to the great heights it hopes to achieve. For that, I guess I'll have to read the book.

IMDb link: http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1781769/

Hanna (2011)

4/5

Hanna is a terrific movie. The plot follows the daughter (Ronan) of a rogue agent (Bana) on a quest to take revenge on the person who killed her mother (Blanchett). The scenario surrounding that basic premise is fairly uninspired and recycled, borrowing heavily from action movie tropes without anything to call its own. The writing is just as dull as the plot, with characters that, while well-acted, end up flat and boring because there's nothing original or even remotely interesting about what they do or what they say.

What this movie does have, and in abundance, is style. Its visual flair makes it a delight to watch from beginning to end. The movie uses the most exotic, curious, beautiful locales to set gun fights and chase scenes. It combines refreshing cinematography with eclectic, exciting music to create something unique and memorable despite its bland storyline. Wright directs this film with ease, using some of the same techniques he used in his earlier Pride & Prejudice and Atonement to striking effect. He even cuts away from the action from time to time to focus on images or ideas that are more captivating than the fighting itself. This is not a traditional action movie, and may in fact alienate some typical action fans, but it will enthrall those who appreciate the essence of cool.

IMDb link: http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0993842/

Atonement (2007)

4/5

Joe Wright's Atonement is an utterly captivating film. When the 130-minute movie ended, I didn't even realize all that time had passed. I assumed we were halfway through. The plot concerns a 13-year-old Briony Tallis in pre-war Britain who sees her sister Cecilia with their gardener Robbie at a fountain and misunderstands their encounter as a rough, unwanted sexual advance. From that incident, she misjudges his character--perhaps intentionally out of jealousy--and tells a lie that sends him to jail. Perhaps she thought it was the truth. The film leaves the characters and their motivations open to interpretation, which helps the story remain with the viewer. Robbie is given the choice to go to war or stay in prison, and so he enlists. The second half of the movie details his attempt to return from battle and rejoin Cecilia. As Briony grows older and more mature, she realizes the grievous results of her decision and tries to atone for it.

The camerawork and compositions were beautiful. There is an oft-talked about 5 minute tracking shot depicting the devastation of Dunkirk--one I felt was an unnecessary waste of time, but impressive nonetheless. The editing was exceptional. The movie backtracks several times and reveals the truth behind Briony's misinterpretations. It was slightly confusing at first, but quickly grew on me as an effective and engaging storytelling technique. I absolutely loved the music. It perfectly fit the mood every time, whether at a tense moment, a sensual one, or an emotional one. The acting was truly stunning. Realistic, subtle performances revealed layers of complexity in every character. Vanessa Redgrave delivered an unforgettable, riveting performance for the few minutes she was on screen.

Despite all these technical achievements, I wondered what the point of the film was. It's a simple story with the only universal themes being regret and atonement. The story is unbelievably far-fetched; it's all too coincidental and extreme to be real. But perhaps that is the purpose of romance movies. To be the world of fantasy where there exists true love, hope, and happiness. Unfortunately for me, I watch movies as movies. And during the entire movie, I kept thinking: "A Very Long Engagement is much better." And so it is, in just about every way. But Atonement is still a technically outstanding, entrancingly romantic film for anyone interested in it.

IMDb link: http://imdb.com/title/tt0783233/