Atonement

Review by Sean Lynch

Just as CSI and Law & Order have basically ruined any chance to enjoy a Cop/Detective drama at the cinema ever again (on the basis of: why fork out $16 bucks to see something of equal or better quality, every week - for free), Period Pieces have been ruined by the BBC.

The 1970s and 1980s was open season on any topic ranging from 1880-1945 (the number of sets alone left to rot on the BBC back-lot must be phenomenal), so anything that even slightly approaches the area of upper-class English twats immediately sets off the 'Snooze-Alarm'. And by the six or seven minute mark of Atonement- you get that terrible feeling encroaching once again.

Thankfully, the superb direction and sublime writing of Atonement turns the film on it's head - making it one of the most refreshing period pieces since the genre was created.

The film’s story spans over several decades beginning in 1935, where a 13-year-old hopeful writer, Briony Tallis (Saoirse Ronan), and her family live a life of wealth and privilege in their enormous (and gorgeous) mansion.

Robbie Turner (James McAvoy as the educated son of the family’s housekeeper) has a secret crush on Briony’s  older sister Cecilia (the always stunning Keira Knightley) - a secret which soon gets out leaving Briony a jealous mess. In her emotional state, she accusses Robbie of a crime he did not commit causing a spiraling turn of events which see's Robbie sent to prison - and eventually the war - where he reunited with the two sisters years later.

Based on Ian McEwan’s best-selling 2002 novel, Atonement is an odd mixture of style and substance. Early portions of the film look like they were stolen directly from the BBC archives, however, the clever criss-crossing of narratives makes for quite an enjoyable and pacey modern twist. Think Mrs. Brown meets Resvoiur Dogs.

Interestingly enough, it wasn't the film itself that kept me so enthralled - it was the unique sound scape and score. Some truly inspired pieces of imagination are on display here (with the sounds of the typewriter substituting drums among other quite original audible choices) makes this a truly eclectic film going experience.

While the film does start to drag about three quarters of the way in (the story and style takes on a completely different direction and tone) leaving the audience thinking "Ok, where the hell is this actually going?" - but an absolutely cracking climax (a real left of centre twist, especially for those who haven't read the book) leaves you with an overtly satisfied feeling.

To be honest, I wasn't sure Atonement was even a "Chick Flick" until I left the cinema, only to find several (yep - several) female peers in tears outside of the cinema. Just shows you the difference in the sexes!

Surprisingly fresh. Surprisingly clever. Surprisingly touching.

3 out of 5

Atonement
Australian release: 26th December, 2007
Cast: Keira Knightley, James McAvoy, Romola Garai, Brenda Blethyn
Director: Joe Wright
Website: Click here.