Atonement

I will begin by admitting that this film was better than I expected. Every year, I attempt to see all five Best Picture nominees, and this film completed that for me this year. The acting was very good, with special notices for Saoirse Ronan and Vanessa Redgrave, who give compelling supporting performances. The technical aspects of the film also deserve their high praise. The score was the best I have heard this year, masterfully combined with sounds naturally occuring throughout the film (which is also a testament to the sound, itself). The costumes, art direction, and cinematography were all done very well, inviting multiple award nominations. However, therin lies the problem. I felt the director and producer crafted this film solely for the purpose of winning awards (if not, then it was a more masterful work that I give it credit for). The story itself seemed implausable, even within the scope of a movie. Regardless, it is a solid film and deserves the Oscar nominations it received.

Grade: B