A film lover's film

Rating: 9/10 (22 July 2007)

This is one of those rare films that encompasses everything that a film should--it's grippingly entertaining, and award-worthy. The only reason I limit it to 9 stars is because of my hesitation for giving any movie 10. That being said, this is easily one of the greatest films of the last year, or several years, for that matter. It is the product of unfortunate timing, jammed in-between summer blockbusters and the fall Oscar-worthy films and being overshadowed by the lesser film, the Prestige. The film is aesthetically pleasing, filmed in a warm, sepia-like tone. Use of conventions like the iris-effect also make this film unique and pleasing. The acting is simply unparalleled. Giamatti's performance is wonderful, but Edward Norton does an equally impressive job. Finally, the story reels you in. This film may well be a novel, for that is the level it approaches. In a Hollywood where you usually have entertaining films, and "good" films, this one bridges the gap with ease and style.