Atonement is a very polished production. And I was along for the ride during the set-up at the estate. But when it switches to the war, I didn't really make the transition. It looked less real and I don't care for James McAvoy much. Also we never get much of C and Robbie's romance so I didn't care too much. And the young adult Briony was rather stiff and uninteresting, which didn't help the ending.

**Scattered Minor Spoilers Tucked Within**
There were clunky moments as well.
Like Robbie saying that their relationship was "based on a brief moment in a library 3 1/2 years ago." Wouldn't an inter-title have been more elegant? Or Robbie again, "I can smell the sea" and then they run a brief distance to where 300,000 troops are busy milling around, singing and shooting horses. Didn't they hear anything? Or perhaps see the ferris wheel?
...

And how likely was it that Keira would strip down and dive into the fountain? Why take off your dress if you're going to put it right back over your wet slip? Especially since the fountain's water was blue lagoon clear. Why not get Robbie or Danny to go in the fountain? And why bring the vase out to the fountain in the first place? Did I miss something there?

Also, weren't all the hints and pregnant pauses about Willy Wonka's tendencies enough, without him marrying Lola. Seemed like overkill. And how bad should I feel that R & C didn't have time together when they (she) wasted the years they were both at Cambridge.

Picky stuff, I suppose. But that's what happens to my brain when I become detached and lose interest. Unsurprisingly, the ending didn't do much for me, since I wasn't too involved in the romance. I didn't have any problem with the typewriter clacking, and thought it worked very well in the early scene where the young Briony scoots through the house after her play is finished.

I realize that the ending could be read to excuse those cinematic moments, but I still don't think that it makes for a very satisfactory viewing experience. Anyway, I liked it all right, but felt a bit let down.

Just a few comments.

Because the film has the inter-title "1935," it isn't really necessary to put in another one for the war years (beginning 1939).

Re: the creep who marries Lola - I gather this is a plot device to keep Lola from ever testifying against her husband.

Weedy,

"As a huge fan of Boogie Nights, and a big admirer of Hard Eight. Magnolia, and Punch Drunk Love, I found There Will Be Blood all but unwatchable."

I, too, am interested to hear more on this. I haven't seen it, but have been drenched in the positive buzz and massive confidence that any DDL vehicle is a cause for rejoicing. Esp. if steered by PTA. So wha' happened?

I thought DDL's performance in GONY was a fantastic hambone performance. His character was terrifically enjoyable. When he was on he owned the screen.

I loved Daniel Day-Lewis in "My Beautiful Laundrette" and "Room with a View"--but he's never captured me in quite the same way since. It's not that he's aged, but that his characters seem less compelling.

I thought DDL's performance in GONY was a fantastic hambone performance. His character was terrifically enjoyable. When he was on he owned the screen.

the different pasts shown