"What's the Worst Word You Can Think of?"

I fear Atonement will be one of those films destined to disappoint a large number of audience goers who are searching for the next Titanic-esque sweeping romance. However, since this was neither what I wanted or expected, I was left quite pleased with the film. Unlike any story I had ever seen, it would be hard to say exactly what happened because the answer would be a resounding “not much.” The story, however, is incredibly rupturing, told through several angles by several points of view. It begins simply, building suspense through an eclectic mix of confusing images (as seen through the eyes of a young, smitten girl) and small, but important, occurrences. As it progresses, the scope of the film opens quite literally to the Second World War and the toll it takes on the characters. The lovers are torn apart, scattered across the continent during the bloody battle, each holding on until the fighting ceases and they are able to meet again.

Visual and technically, the movie is stunning and of masterful proportions. Never does a cinema experience breathe such life into a period piece, bringing depth from the smallest costume to the grandest scenery. The editing creates a kind of fluidity to the revolving story that unveils itself as the film progresses. One shot, which tracks a soldier’s journey through an army retreat camp, last several minutes and weaves in and out of a grand scene set up on a French shore that must have included at least two- to three hundred extras. The film’s original score is in epic style but with a creative, distinct twist that gives the film a fresh and unique flavor.

Atonement contains the most magnificent art direction, cinematography, costuming, editing, original score and direction I have yet to see. It also has some terrific acting from James McAvoy and Keira Knightly and received a well-deserved Oscar nod for beginner Saoirse Ronan. For a perceived epic, period-piece this film has exceed and even blown my expectations away. It’s unique story and incredible, technical achievement has made it one of the best films of the year.

O: Wow dude have you seen ATONEMENT?

L: No dude im so far behind on award movies…how was atonement?

O: Dude its crazy unlike any other movie ive seen

L: Are you serious dude is [it] best pic?

O: Technically its stunning its so different though

L: Alright im seeing it this week

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L: Dude. atonement. wow.

O: What did you think of it?

L: I thought it was really really well made that one shot is amazing and the music is fuckin brilliant the acting, writing, directing is some of the years best

O: Yea that typewriter score kicks ass

O: the begining [sic] was so mysterious and dark

L: Dude im developing th[e] thought that the typewriter comes in when there is a fictitious scene occuring [sic]

O: Oh man like with briny and the patient