Collective Movement

Rating: 7/10 (18 October 2008)

I didn't notice a single close-up in the entire movie. This sort of film-making is disquieting at first, but the eyes adapt to it, and it works thematically. It establishes a collectivity among the characters. They don't function as individuals (as stars), but together as part of an ensemble, a movement. They're interpreted not on their own terms but in terms of the landscape, the town, etc., each of them a part of something bigger.
The concept of war played out remotely is interesting. The British are unwitting cogs in the machine, unaware of why they're fighting. There's a frightening sense of disconnect between the general revolution and the small happenings in this town. It's an interesting look at the phenomenon. All wars are a part of something bigger. The only time we see the actual source of conflict is when they watch the newsreel -- a nice cinematic touch.
The camera is tremulous, it moves precariously. The dialogue is beautifully crafted. The acting is wonderful. The picture seems perpetually tinged with gray-green, and that Irish feel that a storm is always coming persists.
The character development isn't great. Cillian's transformation seemed forced, rushed. The only arc that really develops is the character of the collective resistance. That's the protagonist of this movie, not any single player in it. Very cleverly done.