This is science fiction at its best. The movie is adapted from “Story of your Life,” by Ted Chiang. Screenwriter Eric Heisserer should, and probably will be, lauded for his screen adaptation.
Amy Adams plays Dr. Louise Banks, a renowned “linguist” who not only speaks multiple languages but understands the nuances between them and how some languages came to be. When twelve alien spaceships suddenly appear, each of them hovering over a different world location, she is called to help try to decipher the sounds they are emitting. Working in tandem with scientist Ian Donnelly, played by Jeremy Renner, they attack the complexities associated with this almost impossible task.
The story moves slowly at first, allowing the viewer to grasp the thorny and convoluted problem at hand. The aliens make no overt moves, allowing the scientific community and the military garrison to work on possible solutions.
Arrival
Entertainment Rating: ★★★1/2
Rating: PG-13: intense throughout, one or two minor profanities
Possible Oscar Nominations: Best Movie, Best Actress Amy Adams, Best Supporting Actor, Jeremy Renner, Screenwriter, Eric Heisserer, Musical Score, Johann Johannsson, Visual Effects, a cast of hundreds.
The creativity that went into this amazing story is, to put it mildly, phenomenal. From the spaceships to communications from the aliens, the special effects are as good as they get. There are a number of intense moments as our heroes encounter the aliens, on their turf, in an effort to establish some sort of understanding. The story is backed by a marvelous musical score, which at times does more to authenticate the reality of the moment than the actors themselves.
The only fault I could find was the lack of sunshine anywhere, and the film editors chose to keep the lighting low, as even the daytime scenes were darkened. Regardless, this is an original approach to the world of possible alien contact and Amy Adams shines in her role.
Hacksaw Ridge: No rating
This is not a review, its’ a WARNING. A ten-minute standing ovation at the Cannes Film Festival and a sure Oscar nomination notwithstanding, it crosses the line in graphic realism. This is a true story of valor and bravery by members of the U.S. military as they invaded Okinawa, during World War 2. Director Mel Gibson’s penchant for brutal realism (The Passion of the Christ) manifests itself in battlefield scenes that were deliberately designed to affront the viewer. I’m a veteran moviegoer and thought I’d seen it all until this one. The only redeeming value in this story is the hero’s unshakable faith in God, but that was not enough for me. I cannot recommend this to anyone.
