Movie: Atonement
Yesterday, I saw the movie Atonement. For those of you curious about the movie and who also want a vocabulary work out, take a read through the Washington Post’s review by Ann Hornaday. Now, though I still have yet to decide if I liked the movie or was merely enchanted by the cinematography, there is one flat-out great shot in the movie which I can not forget.
While the accomplished Seamus McGarvey uses blown out sunlight highlights, SteadiCam-stabilized 4+ minute long takes, and other beautiful techniques to help tell the story, the scene I have in mind employees none of these technical methods. During a verdant evening on the hottest day of the year, the romantic hero of the movie walks to a party, back to the camera. Clad in an exquisite tuxedo, he fluidly vaults a split rail fence. In this simple act, in this simple setting, the viewer experiences the bravado and physical prowess of youth and the fervent hope of young romance all encapsulated in an elegant, beautiful motion. Perfect.