Atonement

 

13-year old Briony Tallis is a budding writer with a dangerous imagination, one that causes her to mix up fantasy and reality, one that causes a lie that destroys the lives of Cecilia, her sister, and Robbie Turner.  Wrecked by guilt, it is only years later that Briony seeks atonement.

I first read the book Atonement, by Ian McEwan, as assigned reading for AP Eng. Lit two years ago.  The book was overall enjoyable and readable, I just didn’t know what it was doing in an AP lit class. 

The book, however, does transpose onto film beautifully.  Saoirse Ronan does a great job of portraying young Briony, as I found myself hating her for her arrogance, her naive but know-it-all attitude.  But Keira Knightley and James McAvoy steal the show–their chemistry together as Cecilia and Robbie is undeniable.  Although the movie is a bit heavy-handed at times, the ending brought me to tears (especially because I had forgotten what would happen).

And whoever was in charge of costumes did a great job–the green dress Knightly wears is absolutely stunning.

Edit:// I just had to include another picture of that dress to do it some justice.  The cut, the color, the drape…absolutely gorgeous.

Unfortunately, it was custom made  and designed for Knightley by the film’s costume designer Jacqueline Durran, so it’s not like you can even buy it in stores anywhere.  Damn I wish I could pull off 1930s clothing like Knightley does.