Hearts In Atlantis
Directed by Scott Hicks
Screenplay by William Goldman from the novel by Stephen King
Theatrical Aspect Ratio: 2.40:1
Sound: Dolby SR-D, DTS, SDDS
Length: 101 minutes
Rating: ** out of ****
"Hearts In Atlantis" is like being trapped in a cliche' but now with Stephen King's name on it. Plus, you have the clout of Anthony Hopkins and the ambition of director Scott Hicks ("Snow Falling on Cedars," "Shine") invading the frame, which can confuse beauty with shallowness. "Hearts in Atlantis" shows some promise at the forefront and has some good performances, but ultimately never provides anything new to invest our time in.
The story opens on a funeral to set a bookend, where Bobby Garfield (David Morse) mourns over the loss of a childhood friend and returns to his old house. This is where we transport back to his childhood, where we learn about Bobby (Anton Yelchin as a child)some more. He has a widowed mother with little money to go around, and decides to let one of the rooms in her house out. Enter Ted (Anthony Hopkins), a mysterious looking man with secrets of his own, who befriends Bobby instantly. Ted becomes sort of a mentor to Bobby, helping him win the affection of Carol (Mika Boorem), his best girl/friend. It is soon discovered that Ted has some forms of power of his own, where he can look into the minds of anyone he wants. The power sort of passes to Bobby, who doesn't know what to make of it. And so on.
Hicks doesn't really let any of the coming-of-age material take off, nor the mystical subplot. The "bad guys" that Ted has to stay away from are rather lacking and feels underdeveloped. One has to wonder if that was Hicks' intention, but it still doesn't work.
Not only did this film remind me of "The Green Mile" in terms of its mysticism of a certain character, it felt like it was shot with the same cameras. That said, this is cinematographer Piotr Sobocinski's last film, a man responsible for many of Krzysztof Kieslowski's films, and the gorgeous if arid "Angel Eyes" earlier this year, and he does an outstanding job here, but the similarities are too noticeable to ignore.
Acting wise, the only praise I can give are to Anthony Hopkins and young Mika Boorem. Hopkins is always fascinating to watch, and here he brings an interesting charm to his Ted Brautigan. Boorem, who I've seen in small parts in films like "Along Came A Spider" and "The Patriot" (and is showing up in a few weeks as the young Drew Barrymore in "Riding in Cars With Boys") brings just the right level of charm and spirit to Carol. She's a star in the making. Sadly, I was not that impressed with Anton Yelchin's Bobby, who didn't have enough charisma or grounding to keep me interested. And Hope Davis as Bobby's mother doesn't get further than a few single working mother stereotypes.
Hicks tries so much here but ultimately fails in engaging the viewer. It looks good and it sounds good, and certainly seems "Prestige" due to Hopkins' clout, but the film is awash with so many contrivances and such a slow pace, it kills any interest and lacks any way for us to care about the characters or the situations.
Seen at: Alliance Atlantis Cinemas, Victoria BC.
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Posted by Jason Whyte, "At The Movies" Moderator. Feel free to email me at jason-whyte@yahoo.com with any comments or questions.
"I'm not gonna let the elevator bring us down
Oh no, let's go...let's go crazy" Prince, Purple Rain
