Thank god for Sound and Motion Pictures

Just back from seeing Atonement in “versione originale” i.e. English at my local cinema. We get one V.O. film a week spread over 3 different cinemas on three days, so I’d had this in my diary for some time – miss it and you have to see it dubbed in Italian, never as good, although Italy does some of the best dubbing around or so they say.

Even though I’ve read the novel (the only Ian McEwan novel I’ve liked out of the few I’ve read) the film did not disappoint, with sumptuous photography (was that Dunkirk scene the longest tracking shot ever?), a good if rather over-egged soundtrack, stunning locations and sets and excellent acting. Keira was much less irritating than usual, I think she’s toned down the pout, and was pretty much perfect in the role of Cecilia. I loved the floaty green dress…We all came out rather shell-shocked as it was a pretty heavy going 2 hours in many ways.

Last week the film was It’s a Free World by Ken Loach, which was also good and equally if not more heavy going but in a different way. Pretty harrowing actually. Either way, both this week and last week the mystery-guffawer struck, barking with laughter totally inappropriately at the most tense, dramatic moments…who could he be?