ALLAN HUNTER at the Movies

IAN McEWAN may be one of Britain’s finest novelists but that doesn’t mean his books are naturally suited to the big screen. Many famous names have tried and failed to do justice to his work.

‘Pride and Prejudice’ director Joe Wright succeeds where others have struggled with an adaptation of ‘Atonement’ that is beautifully crafted, impeccably acted and immensely moving. Oozing class from every frame, it is essential viewing.

‘Atonement’ opens during the Summer of 1935 at the country mansion of a wealthy, privileged family. It is the hottest day of the year. Young Briony (Saoirse Ronan) watches big sister Cecilia (Keira Knightley) as she strips off and plunges into a water fountain.

Cecilia is accompanied by dashing housekeeper’s son Robbie (James McAvoy). Briony completely misreads what she has seen. Later in the day, she will accuse Robbie of a crime he did not commit. Her brazen lies will have tragic consequences for those around her and even as an old, dying woman, Briony (now played by Vanessa Redgrave) will still be trying to atone for her sins.

Strikingly photographed by Seamus McGarvey, ‘Atonement’ has a complex narrative in which events are often revisited from a different perspective to reveal the misunderstandings and false impressions where ruin lies.

Deliberately paced and understated, it becomes all the more moving when we finally have a sense of the bigger picture. The acting throughout is impressive but the stand-out performance comes from Scots actor James McAvoy.

He has the look of a 1930s matinee idol and captures all the extremes of joy and despair that Robbie experiences as his dream of a golden life is snatched away at the very moment when the future is so ripe with possibilities. McAvoy excels in a film that is likely to become a front runner in this year’s race to the Oscars.

Nationwide release

Director: Joe Wright
Stars: James McAvoy, Keira Knightley, Romola Garai, Saoirse Ronan, Vanessa Redgrave, Brenda Blethyn
Screenwriter: Christopher Hampton based on the novel by Ian McEwan
Certificate: 15
Running time: 123 mins
Country: UK
Year: 2007

© Allan Hunter, 2007