You may not like the story, but you have to admire the film making!

Back in the Backpackers in Wellington, everyone was sat by the TV watching Joe Wright's Atonement. Now if any of you have actually seen the film you will know that it is heartbreaking and tragic. And for that reason you may not like the film. I was one of those people, however watching it again in the backpackers I retreated into myself and I realised things about the filming that I never noticed before. I strongly believe if you don't notice certain bits in a film, in the acting or the choice of camera shot and it overall evokes a strong emotion, then it is a brilliant film.

Taking Joe Wright's filming for instance I have noticed that he concentrates strongly on the hands to convey emotion. The picture above is of the scene when Robbie meets up Cecilia before he gets shipped off the France. Now they haven't seen each other for 3 years, since the tragic misunderstanding that lead to his wrongful imprisonment. Joe takes the simplicity of making a cup of tea to show the strong passion and connection between these two character, all by focusing on their hands. Cecilia pours Robbie a cup of tea and as he is stirring in his sugar she places her hand on his free hand. Focus pull to the spoon stirring hand and you can see how the slightest touch of this woman effects him to the point that he can't stir anymore. This is confirmed in a face mid shot of Jame McAvoy, who plays Robbie.

Joe did this previously in Pride and Prejudice where Mr Darcy helps Elizabeth in the carriage. This is an unexpected action for Elizabeth, but you can see the growing affection that Darcy has for Elizabeth with a shot of his hand as he walks away. He stretches it as if it has a thousand tingling sensations going through it at once. I have had this feeling before and I instantly connected with Darcy when Joe Wright filmed this.



Simply put, through watching Atonement again I realised that Joe Wright is one of my favourite directors. Looking forward to the next project!

On an side note. Please marvel at the beauty of the 5minute steady cam shot of Dunkirk beach. The detail is amazing and the emotions are overpowering. I personally think that there needs to be a war film about Dunkirk.

Lest we forget.