My most recent Redbox acquisition was the new sci-fi flick Arrival. I had heard nothing but rave reviews from critics and friends alike, including my two brothers, so I went in expecting a good film. I was not disappointed. Here is a smattering of thoughts on Arrival.
First of all, this film is slow. There is little action (like, almost none), so if you're looking for something along the lines of Alien, you'll be disappointed. If you're looking for something more
thought-provoking and intriguing (not that Alien is not those things), something like the first Star Trek film, you'll be pleased. Perhaps slow is an unfair term to use for such a masterfully directed film. Like Denis Villeneuve's (perhaps my favorite up-and-coming director) previous films, Prisoners and Sicario, this film is not so much slow in the monotonous, uninteresting way, but in that it tells the story deliberately. Every single angle in the film contributes to advancing the story. The second half of the film has a faster pace because the groundwork for the characters and story has been largely established, but the entirety of the film has the same sense of intentionality about it. In other words, if you only like dumb movies with explosions and naked people, you probably won't appreciate the artistic nature of this film, but that's your own fault and you should grow up.
Secondly, this film is beautiful, even on DVD (the dang Blu Ray was out of stock!). It is visually stunning. Again, every angle is thought-out, much like Only God Forgives. The director maximizes both the richness of color and the mystery of darkness to entertain and to communicate his message. If you see this film for no other reason, see it because it is aesthetically pleasing.
Thirdly, this film is clean. He added an "f-bomb" literally to ensure a PG-13 rating (the official reason for the rating is simply "for brief strong language"), and he even managed to insert it organically. For some reason PG films just aren't taken seriously, so I understand his motivation. This film was certainly designed for adult audiences. The rating probably could have included "thematic elements" simply because of the emotional nature of the main character's story. It is encouraging to know that you can tell a good story for adults without all that smut.
Fourthly, this film is original and well-written. All sci-fi films contain some element of their forebearers, but this one does so only slightly. The concept of aliens coming to earth and parking ominously around the world is pretty standard, but the appearance of the aliens, the plane of existence on which they exist, and the general story will all be things you have never seen before. You will be gripped in the beginning, intrigued throughout, and surprised at the end. The content of this film could very easily have been confusing and clumsy, but, for the moderately-intelligent viewer, everything comes together nicely at the end in a clear-yet-mind-blowing way. Like many other great films, Arrival is based on a book, The Story of Your Life. I have a feeling I would enjoy it. Just having good source material is not enough, however. Writing a good adaptation and unfolding it on screen are impressive feats, perhaps more so than starting from scratch. This is absolutely sure to win an Oscar for best adaptation.
Fifthly and finally, this film is powerful. It has a message, without a doubt. The message is, however, not so much political as it is human. It defies the normal boundaries of a "political" movie. Some have observed pro-life themes in this film, but those themes are organic and broader than a "conservative" or "right-wing" agenda being forced down your throat. Nor does it seek to indoctrinate the viewer with "leftist" propaganda. The message of this film is not dictated by any established political ideology, but sets forth a unique message of unity and life. It also discusses profound concepts like time and language, both of which were fascinating. It is rare for a film that exists in the world of fantasy to be so profoundly personal and powerful (I almost cried at the end).
Overall, this film deserves all of the praise that has been heaped upon it. You should rent it at your earliest convenience. This film somehow manages to engage all of the viewer's faculties. Your blood will be pumping, your emotions will be gripped, and your soul will be touched. You will be both completely entertained and thoroughly moved.
First of all, this film is slow. There is little action (like, almost none), so if you're looking for something along the lines of Alien, you'll be disappointed. If you're looking for something more
thought-provoking and intriguing (not that Alien is not those things), something like the first Star Trek film, you'll be pleased. Perhaps slow is an unfair term to use for such a masterfully directed film. Like Denis Villeneuve's (perhaps my favorite up-and-coming director) previous films, Prisoners and Sicario, this film is not so much slow in the monotonous, uninteresting way, but in that it tells the story deliberately. Every single angle in the film contributes to advancing the story. The second half of the film has a faster pace because the groundwork for the characters and story has been largely established, but the entirety of the film has the same sense of intentionality about it. In other words, if you only like dumb movies with explosions and naked people, you probably won't appreciate the artistic nature of this film, but that's your own fault and you should grow up.
Secondly, this film is beautiful, even on DVD (the dang Blu Ray was out of stock!). It is visually stunning. Again, every angle is thought-out, much like Only God Forgives. The director maximizes both the richness of color and the mystery of darkness to entertain and to communicate his message. If you see this film for no other reason, see it because it is aesthetically pleasing.
Thirdly, this film is clean. He added an "f-bomb" literally to ensure a PG-13 rating (the official reason for the rating is simply "for brief strong language"), and he even managed to insert it organically. For some reason PG films just aren't taken seriously, so I understand his motivation. This film was certainly designed for adult audiences. The rating probably could have included "thematic elements" simply because of the emotional nature of the main character's story. It is encouraging to know that you can tell a good story for adults without all that smut.
Fourthly, this film is original and well-written. All sci-fi films contain some element of their forebearers, but this one does so only slightly. The concept of aliens coming to earth and parking ominously around the world is pretty standard, but the appearance of the aliens, the plane of existence on which they exist, and the general story will all be things you have never seen before. You will be gripped in the beginning, intrigued throughout, and surprised at the end. The content of this film could very easily have been confusing and clumsy, but, for the moderately-intelligent viewer, everything comes together nicely at the end in a clear-yet-mind-blowing way. Like many other great films, Arrival is based on a book, The Story of Your Life. I have a feeling I would enjoy it. Just having good source material is not enough, however. Writing a good adaptation and unfolding it on screen are impressive feats, perhaps more so than starting from scratch. This is absolutely sure to win an Oscar for best adaptation.
Fifthly and finally, this film is powerful. It has a message, without a doubt. The message is, however, not so much political as it is human. It defies the normal boundaries of a "political" movie. Some have observed pro-life themes in this film, but those themes are organic and broader than a "conservative" or "right-wing" agenda being forced down your throat. Nor does it seek to indoctrinate the viewer with "leftist" propaganda. The message of this film is not dictated by any established political ideology, but sets forth a unique message of unity and life. It also discusses profound concepts like time and language, both of which were fascinating. It is rare for a film that exists in the world of fantasy to be so profoundly personal and powerful (I almost cried at the end).
Overall, this film deserves all of the praise that has been heaped upon it. You should rent it at your earliest convenience. This film somehow manages to engage all of the viewer's faculties. Your blood will be pumping, your emotions will be gripped, and your soul will be touched. You will be both completely entertained and thoroughly moved.
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