Atonement Review

Grade: A-

A tale of reality vs. perception—“Atonement” tells the story of two lovers Robbie Turner (James McAvoy) and Cecelia Tallis (Keira Knightley) -- torn apart by perception.

On a beautiful day in 1935, writing prodigy, Briony Tallis composes a play to perform with her cousins to welcome home her brother. While Briony and her cast are taking a break from the rehearsal Briony stares out of the bedroom window to find that Robbie is threatening Cecelia to strip and jump into the surprisingly deep backyard fountain. Through a technique used throughout the movie we are brought back to earlier in the day and the audience is following Cecelia around leading up to her jumping into the fountain to fetch a piece of a vase accidentally broken by Robbie.

Later that evening Robbie has been invited to join the Tallis family for dinner. Robbie is soon escorted away by policemen investigating the rape of a young girl. The key eye-witness to the assault: Briony Tallis.

At the breakout of World War II Robbie is given the choice between serving out the rest of his prison sentence or joining with Royal Army and being released upon his tour being completed or the end of the war. As a way to see Robbie Cecelia, having renounced her family, becomes a nurse and has up-to-the-minute ideas of where Robbie is and if he is still alive.

Based upon the acclaimed novel of the same name by Ian McEwan; “Atonement” is one of the most unique movies to be produced in the new millennium; with outstanding lighting, amazing story-telling, a musical score that can bring you to the edge of your seat as easily as it could lull you to sleep and an ending that could melt the coldest of hearts. The performances within the picture, however, are very pedestrian. Although this does not hurt the movie by any means, it could keep the Academy from recognizing “Atonement” as the Best Picture winner for the upcoming Academy Awards.

Complimenting the outstanding score by Dario Marianelli the lighting and symbolism throughout the picture bring life to the characters true feelings and intentions. This is displayed throughout the movie, in the beginning of the picture when Briony is always shown with a bright light on her and her white dress. Then as the film progresses and Briony realizes the mistake she has made she is shown more in shadows, reflecting her guilt.

Along with the best picture nomination “Atonement” has merited 6 other nominations including: Best supporting actress – Saoirse Ronan, Achievement in Art Direction, Cinematography, Achievement in Costume Design, Best Original Score, and Adapted Screen Play. All of which are well deserved and could win.