Movie Review: Atonement
Not too long ago, I recall picking up a certain book on a shelf somewhere and reading the back, and then deciding it was going to be mighty depressing and put it back. A couple months later, I went to see Atonement on a friend's request, knowing nothing of the story, and discovered it was the same book. And yes, friends, this story is depressing. Without giving too much away, (and you probably know this much already anyway), this is the story of a romance that might've really been something, had one major twist not taken place. Unfortunately it does, however, and pretty much nothing else goes right for the rest of the movie, while you sink further and further into the grayness of two beautiful people longing for each other, the guilt of one selfish little girl, and the tragedies of World War II. Yeehaw.
I will say, however, that the acting in this movie is marvelous, and there are beautiful scenes that will haunt you long afterwards. Saoirse Ronan is perfect as the young Briony, whose misunderstanding and jealousy prompts her to make a terrible accusation. Keira Knightley and James McAvoy have delicious chemistry (and one steamy library scene, miserably cut short), and McAvoy is gripping as the real victim of Briony's decision, as he goes from once promising young student to sickly soldier, struggling to stay alive long enough to make it home to see the woman he still loves, after only just barely discovering his love was not unrequited. The scene, unfortunately not what it seems to be, where McAvoy gets the chance to bark out his anger and revenge at the grown-up Briony (Romola Garai), now a guilt-stricken nurse, (but not quite guilt-stricken enough to try and fix the damn situation! ...ahem, excuse me), is gut-wrenchingly impressive.
Also hanging around in my head are the scenes near the end where a certain tunnel floods with water, and Vanessa Redgrave's face up close, as the elderly Briony, pleas with us to see her meager attempt at atonement by telling everyone her story. I feel like I'd do better watching it a second time around, going in automatically with no hope, so that I can just appreciate the story for what it is. Which means if you have read the book, you probably will watch the movie in just that way and not sink into the grayness.
But if you haven't, at least now you've been warned. Bring tissues.
Image via Rotten Tomatoes