Reviews

There's an echo of 2001 and a foreshadowing of The Parallax View in this paranoiac sci-fi drama. The movie delights in presenting the tools of science and questions the direction and authority of those elected or selected to preserve us. The pacing strikes modern audiences as slow - it is - but that's the film's greatest success: suspensefully unfolding at a snail's pace. Some of the dialog is stilted and some points are far too belabored (the scene where Dr. Mark Hall, James Olson, is instructed on the use of his key is a tedious overplaying of the moment). The cast do what they can with dialog that sounded a little trite and predictable in its day and sadly is the main thing that mars an otherwise hypnotic journey into the dangers of modern governments and modern science. At the film's core, however, is a lesson that bears repeating, lest we forget.

A daring movie with few equals: a journey into the heart of darkness of the date from hell. Two seemingly quiet, reserved folks teeming with disturbing secrets and half-truths reveal themselves to us and each other in an increasingly frightening crescendo. Deception, life, the skeletons of a nightmare closet. Gripping, a bit over-long, perhaps, but well worth the time. As of this writing I have rented and seen the film 4 times and each time I've learned something about myself, about my world and about vanity, trauma and deception.

AQoA is not a fake, yet it fails to become a masterpiece either as a double mystery of identity unravels entangled in paintings and conspiracy. With more style than substance, though some engaging bits of dialog, the movie is well worth the rental price and is a great distraction. It fails, however, as often as it succeeds.

A dated movie which marginally rises above standards of writing set by "Leave It To Beaver" in the 1950s. Stiff dialog and routine performances weigh down a film already overburdened by a weak premise. Not a memorable movie in the least. See it if you're interested in a period piece but be prepared to be disappointed.

The stuff dreams are made of. A complete retelling of the play as a dream of vengeance: will baffle purists, but will delight the open-minded. A superb effort: great cinematography, acting, and script. 11-stars...***********

Only Rohmer could concoct a love triangle based on the age-old Pascal Paradox. To risk all for the ultimate gain. A gamble. The level of dialog is seldom equaled in other films (even his own); this one's a delight from start to finish. It is also lovingly photographed and charmingly acted. A first rate film all around, and my favorite of all time. Start with this one, then try "Chloe in the Afternoon" and "Claire's Knee". His more recent movies downplay the level of sophisticated dialog, perhaps because it is less that way itself.