I had the mistake of watching Atonement last night. Afterwards, I had trouble sleeping. I was up all night. Was I just completely consumed and enthralled? Or was it the effect of large dose of caffeine I swilled and the nicotine I puffed (I consumed half the pack) after watching? Maybe both.
I watched the DVD way ahead of the regular theater run. Sorry, I could no longer contain my excitement to see the film adaptation after I read Ian McEwan’s book. Though I always think it’s a categorical mistake to compare the book with the film - they use different medium: the former communicates through prose, the latter through visuals and images- Joe Wright did an excellent job in translating it into film.
The first time I watched it, I felt like hugging myself afterwards. The same feeling I had when I saw Almost Famous, Lost in Translation, Eternal Sunshine of a Spotless Mind, and Sideways. Yes, that is a tell-tale sign that I really love a movie.
I am not a critic but I would say that the shots are gorgeous and beautiful to behold. It is flawless, powerful even. The use of different time frames and recreations of some scenes in different perspective are effective. The haunting score with the constant clacking of the typewriter effectively connects us with the emotions conveyed in the film.
Keira Knightley (as Cecilia Tallis) and James McAvoy (as Robbie Turner) are perfectly cast. They have beautiful chemistry. Already in the first part of the movie, you could feel the sexual tension between them; in a minute you would think that they would explode into flames. But the young Saoirse Ronan (Briony Tallis) outshines them. This child is so effective. Maybe it’s the spooky eyes that conveys so much…
I am going to watch it again during the regular theater run. I recommend that you do watch it. Watch it. Read the book. Please read the book. If you're not affected by it, boy, you have a deeply rooted emotional problem.
Without spoiling the movie, here’s one of the unforgettable lines that says everything about the movie by Robbie Turner in his letter to Cecillia:
“Dearest Cecilia, the story can resume. The one I had been planning on that evening walk. I can become again the man who once crossed the surrey park at dusk, in my best suit, swaggering on the promise of life. The man who, with the clarity of passion, made love to you in the library. The story can resume. I will return. Find you, love you, marry you and live without shame”
