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ATONEMENT Send This Review to a Friend
Based on the popular novel by Ian McEwan, “Atonement,” which was showcased at the 2007 Toronto International Film Festival and is now getting commercial release, deals with how lives are shattered by the false accusation of a young girl, who later regrets the havoc she has wrought. But saying one is sorry comes as too little and too late. Director Joe Wright and screenwriter Christopher Hampton have created a memorable film that is rich in mood and solid acting, as well as broad in scope.
Keira Knightley stars as Cecilia, who has repressed emotions for James McAvoy as Robbie, who is beneath her class and only the son of one of her well-heeled family’s servants. Her 13-year-old sister Briony, played by Saoirse Ronan, lives in her fantasy world and is jealous of Cecilia. She makes a despicable false accusation that throws everyone into turmoil.
The film’s early part starts in the mid-1930s, and the story continues into World War II. Accordingly, there is substantial atmosphere through settings, costuming and events, and the cinematography by Seamus McGarvey contributes strongly to the atmosphere, thereby giving the film a sweep against which the individual stories are developed. “Atonement” is a most impressive achievement.
It is always instructive to note how the camera responds to certain actresses and actors. Keira Knightly is one of those actresses. She looks luminous on screen. I met her at a recent reception, and she is certainly pretty, especially when she becomes animated in conversation. However, beyond that, the camera magnifies these qualities and she becomes a very special on-screen presence, which is certainly reflected in “Atonement.”
One can say something similar abut McAvoy. He is appealing in person, and the camera loves him. He bids to be one of the most popular movie actors given the magnetism projected, as in the case of “Atonement.” A Focus Features release.
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