Film Preview: Atonement (2007)

Trailers (Due to age, may no longer be available)

Posters (Due to age, may no longer be available)

Poster Rating: C+

Review: The split-screen poster has become rather cliche and despite an impressive trailer, there’s little impressive about the poster. Here we have the beauty of nature accompanying the image of Keira Knightley and the ugliness of war accompanying the image of James McAvoy. They are separated by the film’s title in a peaceful and serene landscape with a woman, presumably the accuser Briony from the trailer. It’s rather sharp contrast, but hard on the eyes with so many colors.

Trailer Rating: A

Review: It’s been some time since I’ve been this intrigued by a trailer. The last such instance was the tantalizing trailer for Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix. While that film proved a bit of a disappointment, I’m doubtful this pic will. Starring the of-the-moment actors Knightley and McAvoy can’t help but spur interest, but the tempting storyline also promises some attention.

Oscar Prospects:

Unless another trailer blows me away, this could very well be THE Oscar film of the year. With some vague similarities to The English Patient, this is the most Oscar baity-picture I’ve seen a preview for. Critics at the festivals have been giving the film high marks, so it’s quite possible this will become the film to beat.

Release Date:

December 7, 2007

Synopsis:

Compared to the trailer, this film is a modest disappointment. The epic grandeur one might expect is replaced by a minimalist approach to the genre. While it is certainly a satisfying film, it’s not nearly as amazing as I expected.