Atonement

Regis Hanna

Arts Journalism

Marin Heintritz

1-14-07

Atonement

Taking place at the time of the First World War, Atonement is the story of a 13 girl who is discombobulated by the wanton actions of the adults that encapsulate the world that she knows. Without being provided any context from which to understand the events that surround her she self righteously interprets them herself, tearing apart two lovers and leading herself to a path of regret and redemption. Created by Pride and Prejudice director Joe Wright, working once again with Keira Knightley, and based on the novel by Ian McEwan Atonement is a nostalgic inducing love and war film that captures the real hopes and wishes that everyone indulges in if we could change something we did in our past.

Atonement will make you feel the emotions and turmoil of the characters using a soundtrack that provides a sense of urgency and suspense. Redisplaying his ability to capture beautiful imagery, Joe Wright uses a time and perception alternating story line method that enables the viewer to see and feel deeper into the movie. Different forms of scenery, both breathtaking and grotesque, take part in the movie to refine the projection of the emotions of the characters. Both are flawlessly captured in a masterful acute simultaneous display of both good and evil.

Although not the most enticing script ever written, the actors do a superb job of filling in for any gaps and, perhaps to compensate, small clues and hints of irony riddle the movie acting as a sort of bonus to an already plump storyline for whoever is sharp enough to catch them. In addition there are short mysterious aspects, such as a bee trapped by a window, added to the film that can only make sense if interpreted symbolically, giving an optional even further depth to the movie.

Although Atonement reflects the most beautiful and horrible aspects of human nature using the most extreme and overused examples of both: love and war this film sets itself apart because it is not exhibited in the fairy tale, lived happily ever after sense. Atonement is a film that shows the reality behind the fairy tale conceptions of love and war, and the regret that haunts us when, because of the choices we have made, the only happy outcome left possible is in our imagination.

If you look past the brilliant soundtrack, cinematography and acting and just look at the story itself, it seems like one big apology note. The way it is constructed however is so pertinent to human experience that, although fiction, Atonement gives leaves you with that “Based on a True Story” buzz as you leave the auditorium with a taste of romance, a gulp of drama and a shot of nostalgia.