Although a gifted actor, Arkin's role seems oddly incongruous with the rest of the film, as if his character wandered off the set of some other movie. Other big names pop up in small roles throughout the film, as well. Surprisingly, the most outstanding performance within the film comes from Jude Law. Law steals each scene as his character exhibits a profound dynamic quality seldom achieved in most films. Niccol provides the most sleek, polished backdrop I've seen in a long while.
Every scene is executed with immaculate precision and meticulous attention to detail.
There's not one speck of dust or one drop of sweat that isn't intended to be there. This tight control extends into every facet of the film. The cinematography, lighting, framing and filtering are executed effectively toward creating the stylized feel of the film, and the musical score is as moving as the plot. Unfortunately, this intensity may overpower the neglected treatment of the relationship between Hawke and Thurman. This is a minor oversight, though, in that the themes are still successfully conveyed in the story.