What Do The Critics Say?

"Director Joe Wright and screenwriter Christopher Hampton not only blow the Merchant-Ivory dust off the British period movie, they transform Ian McEwan's interior novel into a sweeping epic that speaks to the 21st-century soul." Lou Lumenick NEW YORK POST "James McAvoy and Keira Knightley are intoxicating together." Cherryl and Leigh Ann THEMOVIECHICKS "As close to perfection as mere mortals can aspire to." Andrea Chase KILLER MOVIE REVIEWS "It grabs your heart and doesn't let go." Kit Bowen HOLLYWOOD.COM "Atonement is an awesome achievement. I urge you to see it as soon as you can." David Edwards DAILY MIRROR UK "The film is gorgeous to look at, well paced (especially during the first half), and by turns touching and sad. The ending packs an emotional punch, which is what one would expect from any movie developed from a McEwan novel." James Berardinelli REELVIEWS

"Knightley and McAvoy deliver the sort of performances that have Oscar written all over them as the doomed lovers in director Joe Wright's sumptuous adaptation of Ian McEwan's dark novel." Tim Evans SKY MOVIES "A majestic and intimate romance that should rightly cement the careers of director Joe Wright and leading man James McAvoy, and give Saoirse Ronan some much-deserved exposure." David N Butterworth REC ARTS MOVIE REVIEWS "It's some kind of miracle. Written, directed and acted to perfection, "Atonement" sweeps you up on waves of humor, heartbreak and ravishing romance." Peter Travers ROLLING STONE "This is one of the best movies of 2007." Liz Braun JAM! MOVIES "These performers not only have the looks for a sweeping love story, they also have the skill to throw themselves into the proceedings like they really mean it." Kenneth Turan LOS ANGELES TIMES "Atonement is a sophisticated, gorgeous screen tragedy...a luxurious cinematic cake, furthering Wright's position as one of the more exciting young filmmakers out there today." Brian Orndorf EFILMCRITIC

The Inside Story It was during the shooting of Pride & Prejudice that Working Title co-chairman and producer Tim Bevan ("About a Boy" & "Love Actually") realised Joe Wright was one of the most talented first time directors he had ever encountered and not wishing to lose him he started to look around for what could be his next film. Ian McEwan's best selling novel "Atonement" had been brought to Working Title by Sir Richard Eyre ("Iris" & "Notes On A Scandal") and Robert Fox ("Closer" & "The Hours") with plans for Eyre to direct. Over the course of development Eyre's prior commitments to other projects came to the fore and he honourably stepped aside to make way for Joe Wright to take the helm. The attraction for Wright in lifting "Atonement" from the page to the screen was the narrative from the viewpoint of Briony Tallis at three key stages in her life as he knew this would be an exciting challenge for him as a filmmaker. "In taking the book to the screen the story kind of reveals itself to you as you make it. We are questioning narrative structure, we are questioning points of view, we are questioning one single truth as opposed to multiple truths," he commented. Wright spent a concentrated time working with Christopher Hampton on adapting the book, and says, "When I was first sent the script, it had departed quite a lot from the novel. I thought the book was brilliant and Christopher and I started again from scratch, sticking to the book as faithfully as possible. We had quite a fluid collaboration which was wonderful. I really enjoyed it. It was very exciting and it really got under my skin. I felt I knew the book and knew the script totally and understood every moment of it or at least tried to." "Once Joe started collaborating and working with Christopher I think the script became richer, more complex, and he brought this kind of vast visual imagination to the project. The issues it deals with are so powerful and common to us all, the idea of emerging sexuality in young people, of intertwining fates," notes producer Paul Webster ("Birthday Girl" & "Charlotte Gray"). Author Ian McEwan, who has witnessed his works being adapted for the screen on previous occasions, also knew the task would not be simple with "Atonement". As he said, "It's a kind of demolition job. You've got to boil down 130,000 words to a screenplay containing 20,000 words. In this particular case there are greater difficulties for the screenwriter because this is a very interior novel. It lives inside the consciousness of several characters. I think Christopher Hampton has steered a wise and clever course through the book." Hampton admits that adapting a really good book is much harder than adapting a bad one. "I think Atonement is one of the best novels of the last 20 years and to preserve its qualities is a great responsibility." With "Pride & Prejudice", Wright had illustrated as a filmmaker that he has the talent to interpret stories in such a way that a modern day audience is able to see beyond the time and setting of a story. Hampton's theory is the more accurate you are with presenting a period, the more striking the modern aspects of the story become." Producer Bevan notes that the heart of the story is an "interesting, emotional journey." With the script in place, Wright turned to his meticulous preparation of the film itself, actively engaging with every department early on to ensure his vision and the research and expertise of his crew, was married in such a way that once filming began everyone was on the same page. This included a three week rehearsal period with the cast ensuring that by the time the cameras rolled they were all comfortable with their characters and the environment they inhabited. The look of the three parts of the film have, for Wright, very different identities which he wanted to subtly convey to the audience through the camera work and different colour palates. The first part of "Atonement" is set on the hottest day of the year in 1935 at the Tallis House in Surrey, a strange day when the heat seems to affect the behaviour of the individual members of the house. Production designer Sarah Greenwood and set decorator Katie Spencer found the right house after searching the Country Life archives. Stokesay Court in Shropshire emerged as perfect for both the interior and exterior shots. "Sarah really got into the detail of the piece and paid special attention to what was going on in design in the 1930's," producer Paul Webster ("Sexy Beast" & "The Motorcycle Diaries") notes. Greenwood and location manager Adam Richards ("Calendar Girls" & "Pride & Prejudice") spent many months scouring the United Kingdom for appropriate locations to stand in for the French countryside and Dunkirk before settling on locations in Lincolnshire, Norfolk, Cambridgeshire, Grimsby and Redcar which closely resembled the landscape of Dunkirk with the beach and industrial landscape in the distance. The distinct look that the 1935 scenes have is in part due to the lighting and techniques 2005 IFTA Award winning cinematographer Seamus McGarvey ("Sahara") used to give a radiant quality. "We used a particular filter that is basically Christian Dior stockings which create a beautiful glow around the highlights and soften, creating a lustrous feel," he revealed. Makeup and hair designer Ivana Primorac ("Elizabeth" & "Cold Mountain"), carefully created hair and make up that subtly conveyed the period, circumstances and experiences of the characters from the luxury and beauty of 1935 to the effect of war and loss during 1940. "Joe is an exceptional new director and he's extremely hungry, always the one to leap from the front, be up earlier, work later, striving for a greater quality,"says Bevan. "He is very detailed in his approach and takes the process very seriously." When it came to casting the film, Working Title's first choice was Keira Knightley, Academy Award nominee for her role as Elizabeth Bennet in "Pride & Prejudice". Wright thinks Knightley "was brave in taking the role, as many actors are terrified of being disliked in the characters they play on screen." "The reason I like the character is because she is a woman. She knows who she is but she doesn't know what direction to go in so she's quite conflicted," Knightley explained. It was imperative to Wright that his male lead Robbie Turner, be played by someone who had the acting ability to take the audience with him on his journey from a time of hope and prosperity through to the horrors of World War II. That actor would be the man who played Dr Nicholas Garrigan and co-starred with 2007 Oscar winner, Forest Whitaker in "The Last King of Scotland". For this crucial role Wright chose James McAvoy. "James has also got soul and isn't afraid to show it. The character is described as having 'eyes of optimism' and James has those," Wright says. Wright first spotted James McAvoy in a play at the Hampstead Theatre seven years ago. When he read for the part of Robbie, Wright said, "he's just so good you can't help but love him and when he smiles you smile, when he cries you cry." McAvoy was delighted to be cast in the challenging role of Robbie and to have the opportunity to experience working with director Wright. "Robbie's a bit of an angel really. He’s very straight, one of the most difficult characters I’ve ever played," he said. The two leads create plenty of on-screen chemistry as author McEwan notes. "Keira and James are superb together. I particularly liked the scene in the library. This is a wonderful release of tension for Cecilia; a brittle upper class young woman, divorced from her own feelings. In the library she confronts them in a flood of strong emotion and erotic charge." The charcter of Briony Tallis is played by three actresses. The youngest Briony is played by newcomer Saoirse Ronan. After many auditions and much searching for a young actress to play the part, Wright’s casting director, Jina Jay ("The Last King of Scotland" & "Pride & Prejudice"), came across Ronan, a twelve year old Irish actress with a keen sensibility which belies her years, making her perfect for the role of the fledgling young writer, Briony. During the six weeks Ronan was on set, Wright says he was consistently amazed by the talent Ronan displayed in playing the thirteen year old writer. The challenging role of eighteen year old Briony, fell to Romola Garai who was the last of the three to be cast and therefore had to physically fit into the look that had already been created for the younger and older Briony. ALFS Award winner Romola ("Inside I'm Dancing") also followed the way Saoirse moved and worked with a voice coach to create a similar vocal range. Oscar winner Vanessa Redgrave (Best supporting actress in "Julia"), who plays the eldest of the three Briony Tallis's says of Wright, "He's brilliant with actors and the film was beautifully prepared." Also in the stellar cast is Cannes Film Festival Best Actress Award winner Brenda Blethyn ("Secrets & Lies"). In addition to the principal and supporting cast and extras, a thousand local young men were engaged in Redcar to take on the role of soldiers, many injured and dying, waiting on the beaches of Dunkirk to be transported home to safety. Some trivia notes: Stokesay Court is a Victorian house which forms part of the privately owned Stokesay estate in the county of Shropshire. The London locations include The Old Town Hall, Bethnal Green; the Balham underground station scene was filmed at the closed tube station, Aldwych; the St. Thomas’s hospital ward interior and corridors were built as a studio set at Shepperton studios; Paul Marshall and Lola’s wedding scene was filmed at St John’s Church, Smith Square; the poppy field scene was shot in Cheltenham, Gloucestershire and; Redcar beach took the place of Bray dunes Dunkirk (including the old Regent Cinema which is on the pier) and, the television interview in 1999 when older Briony is interviewed about her book was filmed at the BBC Wood Lane. Synopsis

It's 1935. Thirteen year old fledgling writer Briony Tallis and her family live a life of wealth and privilege in their enormous mansion. On the hottest day of the year, the country estate takes on an unsettling hothouse atmosphere. Robbie Turner, the educated son of the family's housekeeper, carries a torch for Briony's headstrong older sister Cecilia. He hopes she has comparable feelings. It will only take a spark for this relationship to combust. When it does, Briony, who has a crush on Robbie, is compelled to interfere, going so far as accusing Robbie of a horrible crime he did not commit. Cecilia and Robbie declare their love for each other, but he is arrested. With Briony bearing false witness, he's sentenced for a crime he did not commit. The course of three lives will be changed forever. When war comes in 1939 Robbie is offered a remitted sentence in exchange for serving his King and country.

The Verdict "Super! A real top-shelfer. Beautifully acted, richly imaged, excellent dialogue, wonderful settings and superb direction. What more could one want? This really is a quality film that takes viewers on an emotive charged journey. The final scenes will move anyone who has a heart, so bring the tissues. When hugely successful 'Working Titles' production company partners Tim Bevan and Eric Fellner sign on for a project, it all but guarantees a films success. "Atonement" is living proof that they do indeed have the magic touch. After three doses of Knightley in the 'P.O.T.C' franchise, "Atonement" will make a refreshing change for cinemagoers. Her performances with McAvoy ooze plenty of chemistry. Young actress Saoirse Ronan is one cast member who deserves an 'honourable mention'. Her performance in the role of Briony Tallis is worthy of much praise. "Atonement" is a faultless film, thoroughly deserving of a 5 STAR rating." Cast & Crew Bytes "ATONEMENT" stars .......
Keira Knightley ["Love Actually", "Pride & Prejudice" and "P.O.T.C 1, 2 & 3"]; James McAvoy ["Bright Young Things", "The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe", "The Last King of Scotland" and "Penelope"]; Saoirse Ronan ["I Could Never Be Your Woman", "The Christmas Miracle of Jonathan Toomey" and "Death Defying Acts"]; Romola Garai ["Scoop", "Amazing Grace" and "Angel"]; Juno Temple ["Pandaemonium", "Notes on a Scandal" and "St Trinian's"]; Brenda Blethyn ["Lovely & Amazing", "Piccadilly Jim" and "Beyond the Sea"] and Vanessa Redgrave ["Oh! What a Lovely War", "Mission: Impossible", "Girl, Interrupted", "The Pledge" and "Evening"] as the older Briony.
"ATONEMENT" was .......
directed by Joe Wright ["Crocodile Snap", "The End" and "Pride & Prejudice"]; screenplay by Christopher Hampton ["Dangerous Liasons", "The Secret Agent" and "The Quiet American"]; set decoration by Katie Spencer ["The Governess", "Born Romantic" and "The Abduction Club"]; costume design by Jacqueline Durran ["All or Nothing", "Young Adam" and "Vera Drake"]; production design by Sarah Greenwood ["The Governess", "Born Romantic", "The Abduction Club" and "Starter for 10"]; edited by Paul Tothill ["A Room for Romeo Brass", "Boudica" and "Sixty Six"]; cinematography by 2004 Evening Standard British Film Award winner Seamus McGarvey ["The War Zone", "Enigma", "The Hours", "Along Came Polly" and "Charlotte's Web"]; original music by Dario Marianelli ["I Capture the Castle", "The Brothers Grimm", "Opal Dream" and "V for Vendetta"]. Who's Who?

Keira Knightley James McAvoy Saoirse Ronan Romola Garai Vanessa Redgrave Ailidh Mackay Brenda Blethyn Julia West Harriet Walter Patrick Kennedy Ben Harcourt Jack Harcourt Juno Temple Felix von Simson Charlie von Simson Alfie Allen Benedict Cumberbatch Peter Wight

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Cecilia Tallis Robbie Turner Briony Tallis (13yo) Briony Tallis (18yo) Older Briony Singing Housemaid Grace Turner Betty Emily Tallis Leon Tallis Jackson (14yo) Pierrot (14yo) Lola Quincey Pierrot Quincey Jackson Quincey Danny Hardman Paul Marshall Police Inspector

Run Time 112 minutes Rated MA15+ [AUST] Copyright ©2007 - Focus Features - All Rights Reserved ©2008 - Impact Internet Services & The Movie Pages. All Rights Reserved - Protected by Australian & International Copyright. Trademark Laws Apply.