My husband has a habit of trying to do a million tasks before we finally sit down and watch a film together. So let me begin by saying that we did not start watching Hereafter until 10:10pm and it’s a very quiet slow moving film. After a wonderful dinner I prepared (seafood pasta) and a few glasses of wine, I was nodding off halfway in. Three separate stories about a reluctant psychic, (Matt Damon), a French journalist that believes she’s glimpsed the afterlife and a young Londoner, grieving the tragic lost of his twin brother, prove to be compelling stories, yet everything is in a quiet, understated, almost dreamlike state. Everyone speaks very quietly and this just doesn’t lend itself to late night viewing. A little more than half way in I couldn’t stay awake even though I was interested. I really couldn’t shake it so I went to bed. In the morning I asked my husband if it was worth finishing and he said he liked it. I’m a much tougher critic than he is, but I decided to pop it back in and finish where I left off. I’m glad I did.
Although this was a quiet, slow paced film it worked. I felt the pain and anguish all the characters were going through, especially the young twin boy. I teared up every time he came on the screen. I also enjoyed delving into what a burden it would be to be a real psychic, like Matt Damon’s character. Funny I remembered that Roger Ebert gave this film a favorable review. When I read it though, he seemed to feel that Damon’s abilities were not really proven and left up to the audience to decide. I didn’t feel the same way. I thought the film clearly said he had these abilities; though it’s true that there’s know concrete explanation as to where his visions are coming from.
I completely forget that Clint Eastwood directed this film until his credit popped up at the end. I enjoy the range he’s been presenting. He’s proven to be an interesting filmmaker. This film gives you ideas to chew on without shoving anything down your throat. Good solid movie.
2 comments:
Clint Eastwood certainly has been more thoughtful whn directing since the 90s, I haven't got to Hereafter yet, plan to. Probably my favourites of his recent ones are Bridges of Madison County , and Gran Torino, which both hold up to repeat viewing I feel.
I have had this movie for over a month sitting next to the Blu Ray player. I really need to pop it in and just watch it. But maybe not at night...lol
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