Sorry

Rating: Null/10 (21 October 1998)

Sorry, but a first viewing leaves me feeling "totally overrated non-movie." I didn't like the on-screen format (too low aspect ratio, the *size* of Omaha and Normandy were not there), the initial scenes, which were supposed to be so stark, all this preview "hype" about veterans freaking out, well I'm sorry if they did, but I didn't see how. Spielberg's psychology was so easy to see, already in the initial moments. Instead of hitting you with a big build up as is done in ordinary scare movies, he just hits you when you're least expecting it - and knowing that, you can read the "surprises" and the horrors that he's supposed to deliver like an open book. So much for realism.
Nor was there much "vastness" to the D-Day assault. Memories of Ryan's book on screen were much more convincing from that viewpoint at least. Omaha was a terrible disaster - and vast as well, and three Allied boats on screen do not really do the trick.
Hanks was excellent, of course, they all were, Sizemore, Damon, who couldn't be drawn into the story, but watching the aftermath a la Schlindler - no, I do not find this kind of story-telling convincing.
Several critics have hailed this movie as Spielberg's best ever, I find it hard to agree - although I wouldn't know which movie to pick in its place - as I do not think Spielberg is a real auteur by any stretch of the imagination, or ever could be. He is imminently successful, but his is the "big shot", the opposite of Ingemar Bergman, who says, "kill your darlings." He can film, he can see the "shot", but he cannot create. Harsh words, and perhaps a bit overdone, but it seems accurate at this moment.
Which is not to say I did not enjoy the movie. Of course I did. It was an excellent movie. Well told, accurate depictions for the most part, astounding acting all around - it just wasn't the "Saving Private Ryan" it was cracked up to be. Its reputation bloated it all out of proportion. It is not Spielberg's best movie (though it may be close), it is not - I firmly believe right now - an Academy Award winner either. Which is a shame for Tom Hanks, who has worked so hard, and been such a convincing actor through so many memorable performances. Perhaps his time - his third Oscar - will yet come.