The Plot:
This film tells the complex interconnected story how the lives of a former drug addict and mother, Cristina (Watts), a terminally ill mathematics professor, Paul (Penn), and a spiritual ex-convict, Jack (Del Toro) intersect both tragically and redemptively following a car accident. (from Yahoo Movies)
My Thoughts: (Reviewed by K-Billy)
This is an interesting film in that instead of being a straightforward traditional story, it’s narrative unfolds like pieces of a puzzle. The movie intertwines the stories of three people, Paul the professor, Jack an ex con, and Cristina who is a former drug addict now a reformed mother. The interesting part is figuring out how these people’s lives interact. The main thing hindering this is that the movie isn’t done in chronological order. This is a very cool element when intertwining the three tales, but it can also lead to quite a bit of confusion. After the first 35 minutes I considered turning off the movie because I was having far too much difficulty understanding what was happening, who it was happening to and most importantly WHEN was it happening. For this reason the first half of this film is not easily accessible. However, after the bombshell is dropped that brings into focus how they’re lives relate it is a much more enjoyable film that is easier to understand. This in my mind redeems the first half and at the same time makes it look brilliant in its own way. The acting in this film is extremely good. The performance that the critics have chosen as their favorite is probably Naomi Watts as Christina. I however enjoyed Benecio Del Toro’s character and performance much more. The conflict over religion, responsibility, and his old instincts are amazingly displayed in his character. Sean Penn was good, but then again when is he ever not. For this reason I didn’t find him that flat out wonderful, just because he’s always good. This is a very well done film, that deserves it’s praises and is unique in it’s narrative. Credit the editing for bringing it together so well.
Starring Sean Penn, Benecio Del Toro, and Naomi Watts
Rated R for language, sexuality, some violence and drug use.
Directed By Alejandro González Iñárritu