Atonement
Cert 15 2hrs 2 mins
Dir: Joe Wright
Based on the best selling novel by Ian McEwan, Atonement begins in 1935 with the burgeoning romance between the housekeeper’s son, Robbie Turner (James McAvoy) and Cecilia (Keira Knightly) daughter of the house owner. Cecilia’s sister Briony Tallis observes the two in a series of compromising situations from which she draws the wrong conclusion. As a result she accuses Robbie of a crime he did not commit, with devastating consequences. The subsequent tale follows these consequences and Briony’s efforts to atone for her error.
Whilst the story is both powerful and incredibly sad the emotional connection, that is so vital in conveying this sadness, is unfortunately lacking. Saoirse Ronan who plays Briony struggles to convey real contrition and the task of filming an acknowledged complicated plot, left me at times confused as to where we actually were.
That said McAvoy and Knightly are excellent in their respective roles and the innovative use of the typewriter to convey the quickening beat of the music worked well. However for me the film was more miss than hit.
Rating: 2/5
CA
