This was my top film of 2006.

207.67.53.106

Posted by Harmonia on February 14, 2007 at 18:06:20

In Reply to: Children of Men -- A belated view posted by clarkjohnsen on February 14, 2007 at 11:54:42:

Great comments.

I don't get gobsmacked by a movie very often these days - but CoM was overwhelmingly my favorite film of 2006. I've been a fan of Alphonso Cuaron for several years but he and his team far exceeded even my expectations with this one.

I haven't been as emotionally overwhlemed in a movie theater in a long time. The technical execution is dazzling but always in service to the story.

What I love about Cuaron is his brilliance at visual story telling - he is one of the most intensely cinematic directors working. And his personal attention to detail is astounding - script, set dressing, lighting, design, costuming, photography, casting, acting, music etc is so specific to his vision. There was, in fact, quite a bit of digital work in CoM, including that PF "Animals" balloon, as well as Kee's infant (animatronic and CG) and much else. But the CGI never intrudes or interferes with the story - it only makes the story more real.

BTW, in his spare time Cuaron helped to produce pal Guillermo del Toro's Pan's Labyrinth, my #2 film of the year. The guy is on a roll.

I'm so glad Clive Owen was not Bond - this is his best role. He's in nearly every scene and carries the emotional weight of the picture. A very subtle and masterful performance. The rest of the cast is excellent too - it was great to see Pam ferris get something worthwhile to do. Caine is a hoot, but very touching too.

Too bad Cuaron didn't get a BD nod from AMPAS. But I think this film will be one to have an impact for a very, very long time.

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Follow Ups Full Thread

Topic - Children of Men -- A belated view - clarkjohnsen 11:54:42 02/14/07 (22)

Re: Children of Men -- A belated view - Vinyleer 18:42:25 02/17/07 (1)

What's the *matter* with you? nt - clarkjohnsen 12:34:14 02/18/07 (0)

Re: Children of Men -- A belated view - rico 12:14:36 02/15/07 (1)

"Didja notice Michael Caine's audio equipment?" Yes, but don't recall now. Did *you* notice... - clarkjohnsen 12:33:18 02/15/07 (0)

This was my top film of 2006. - Harmonia 18:06:20 02/14/07 (1)

"I haven't been as emotionally overwhlemed in a movie theater in a long time." Yes... - clarkjohnsen 11:25:14 02/15/07 (0)

I will see it as soon as possible and I hope the film is more original than the music track. - tinear 17:01:39 02/14/07 (11)

The film is brilliant. So there. - Harmonia 17:49:57 02/14/07 (1)

"It helps if one pays attention." And arrives without baggage. nt - clarkjohnsen 11:26:29 02/15/07 (0)

more than just Pink Floyd - tunenut 17:47:17 02/14/07 (8)

But this list leaves out... - Harmonia 17:52:17 02/14/07 (7)

yes indeed - tunenut 17:56:16 02/14/07 (6)

More music...classical excerpts... - Harmonia 18:13:14 02/14/07 (5)

"Penderecki: Threnody For The Victims Of Hiroshima." Ah, yes. Should have mentioned. - clarkjohnsen 11:30:13 02/15/07 (2)

I recognized his voice almost instantly... - Harmonia 20:31:06 02/16/07 (1)

"OOOOOOooo you bad on the Penderecki! LOL!" The only question was... - clarkjohnsen 10:32:41 02/17/07 (0)

If indeed you heard those and knew what they were during the - tinear 20:07:16 02/14/07 (1)

Thank you. I am, in fact... - Harmonia 20:36:34 02/16/07 (0)

Excellent review - Analog Scott 16:31:27 02/14/07 (0)

for reasons I do not comprehend - Duilawyer 15:56:04 02/14/07 (1)

Tell it to the moderator. - clarkjohnsen 11:22:07 02/15/07 (0)

for once I agree completely with you - tunenut 14:11:16 02/14/07 (0)

Follow Ups

This was my top film of 2006. - Harmonia 18:06:20 02/14/07 (1)

"I haven't been as emotionally overwhlemed in a movie theater in a long time." Yes... - clarkjohnsen 11:25:14 02/15/07 (0)

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