A giant step backwards

Rating: Null/10 (5 November 2007)

I thought atonement was a giant step backwards for Joe Wright. This was a film I was eager to see. I enjoyed PRIDE & PREJUDICE. The first 40 minutes of ATONEMENT were sensational. The last hour plus was extremely disappointing.
The beautiful pacing and energy and heart of the film left once James McAvoy was arrested. That 10 minute stedicam thru war carnage was pretentious and brought the film to a grinding halt it never recovered from.
Great acting by McAvoy. Not so much anyone else. I usually love Keira Knightly, but she is horribly mis-cast. 100% unbelievable.
It pains me to write all this.
I think all this Oscar talk is nothing but the film's and actor's publicity people working overtime. The movie's 2 hours long (and it felt like 4). I can't see anyone talking about this film. In fact, I'm guessing there won't be many who turn out at all.