In my film studies class today, the teacher asked some of us to review an interesting movie we'd seen recently and post it online. The last movie I saw was 'Knowing', starring Nicholas Cage and Rose Byrne.
I hadn't read the plot summary beforehand so found the film to be rather ambiguous in terms of genre. I felt like I was being led into several different realms throughout: horror, thriller, science fiction, mystery and drama.
The ending is neither happy nor unhappy: it just is. What I mean is that the film sets up an ending that cannot help but leave the viewer feeling powerless and small in relation to the universe as a whole (another movie with a message?).
The acting does not disappoint. If you enjoyed Cage's character in 'The Wicker Man' you will enjoy his performance here. Although Byrne's character is central to the story line she does not appear until later in the film but she is not missed, playing a woman just as bland as herself.
The special effects are 'grand' but although they remain colourful, appropriate and well-timed throughout, I would not go on to say that they are the best I have seen. The cinematography however was very good. It was an easy film to watch due to the framing of the subjects, the recurring contrasts of colour and most notably, the motifs (or forms of symbolism) which appear throughout.
Overall, I really want to buy my own copy of this but think I can wait until it comes down in price. If you have the time to see it, do, because after doing the B&T weekly readings you'll really appreciate the effort that has gone into making 'Knowing'.
9/10
