Reviews

I would just like to add briefly that this film is a very hit and miss affair - both in terms of its historical accuracy and in its acting / performances. I would also add Kathy Burke and Christopher Eccleston (Mr 1 note...) to the list of people wrongly cast.

Some of the performers seem to be acting as if they are still in rehearsal, others seem to be acting like this is their one, big shot at the title. Walsingham and Burleigh are portrayed as real people and remain consistent to their characters, whilst others seem to be making it up on the spot - and are not even sure where their spot is!

However, I would like to off-set this with Mr. Rush's performance as the enigmatic and shadowy Walsingham, a delightful and nuanced performance, the best of the lot IMO..... Cate B is not bad but again, not a patch on Helen Mirren's earlier stint in the role - if you haven't seen it then check it out, that's real acting....... And as for V Cassell......mon dieu!

Contrary to other reviews I have read about this film I felt compelled to write a more supportive comment having literally just finished watching it. I found it taut,tense,atmospheric and really engaging. Some of the lighting,camera angles and the booding,ominous score lend a feeling of disorientation and confusion to the unfolding drama which perfectly suits the frightening and bewildering situation the characters find themselves in. Having watched the big-budget Contagion last night I must admit that I actually like this film more, more home-grown (shot in Southampton where I grew up) tight run time of eighty minutes, makes maximum yield from small cast and location and ratchets up the tension nicely thank you..... I won't give away any spoilers at all about what happens but suffice it to say it is one of those rare gems you stumble upon with no prior expectations or knowledge and it really delivers. Watched it for free on A Prime and how can you complain about that? Watch it and decide for yourself. Loved it. Bravo!

I couldn't disagree more with the main published review that accompanies this page! Whilst of course we are all creatures of opinion and all completely entitled to them I think the reviewer has missed the point completely with this film. I find it a beautiful,mesmerising and elegiac reflection on life,consumerism,dying and environmental catastrophe. So,v. Werner Herzog then... The 'set-up' such as it is indeed views a parallel storyline of alien visitors from a dying planet which in turn is being explored by ignorant and careless humans looking for a possible escape route out of their own dying planet. Ironic,eh? Herzog intercuts space and underwater diving footage to suggest alien and terrestrial landscapes to a beautiful 'requiem' score of near 2001 levels,whilst always allowing you the time and space (sorry!) to add/interpret your own ideas,thoughts and reflections. I find it a visually and aurally arresting 'tone poem' to fragility,inquisitiveness and wonder...

There are elements of Terence Malick.David Lynch etc but essentially this is pure Herzog:more original,thought provoking and reflective than anything you will ever find down at your faceless Multiplex.

To the wonder then,anyone?