Films/DVD Asylum

Posted by Harmonia (A) 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.