A wonderfully directed film

Rating: 9/10 (10 October 2005)

The director, Bennett Miller, had only directed one other feature, The Cruise, a documentary released in 1998. His fiction feature debut is a remarkably accomplished feat of directing. Not only are all of the performances top notch, but the cinematography is beautiful and the editing is unhurried and precise. The production and costume design are simple and flawless, always capturing the period setting without overselling details or overemphasizing authenticity. Everyone is talking about the great performance of Philip Seymour Hoffman, but I think that Clifton Collins Jr. should also be recognized for a layered and delicately nuanced performance as Perry Smith. Long portions of this movie actually focus down to intense two character scenes between these terrific actors.
Along with Brokeback Mountain and Conversations with Other Women, this is one of my favorites at Telluride this year. A great film. I hope the director doesn't wait another seven years to make his next movie!