Poor Direction With An Ambiguous Conclusion

Rating: 1/10 (23 November 2006)

This is the only movie that has had me wanting to leave the theatre. It is an interesting story that could have been accomplished much better. The stunning visuals only served to confuse the metaphor the movie tried to express. The film direction was stuffy and prolonged. Unnecessary close-ups stifled dialog, while unessential pauses and scenes that should have been cut shorter killed interest. Environmental lighting darkened the film at every turn setting a dismal tone throughout the entire movie. Changes in this lighting could have complimented transitions between scenes/time periods. The conclusion was overly ambiguous and slightly contrived. Any casual movie-goer will not appreciate this movie, and anyone who loves 'deep' movies will still question the quality of this film. This is a 'thinker' movie that does not accomplish its purpose and leaves you wanting more than just your eight dollars back. Few movies have actually earned my passion of disdain, this is one. Hugh Jackman's acting was great but, at points, seemed forced. Rachel Weiss' acting was entrancing, but her character was not real to me, not to her fault though. But all this was overshadowed by the lack of continuity of characters and concepts between realities. The film assumes the dignity of a deep movie and tries to dazzle with pretty colors, but it is pretentious in assuming it has a deep-inner meaning.