Genres

Visitors Review

2012-05-17 08:22:57

Afterwards... regret watching the movie

"Fill every nerve with tension." It did not fill every nerve with tension, but with boredom. The only way to know about a movie that goes directly to video is from the box, and the information on the box was misleading. I know you can't judge a book by its cover, but the marketing department either had no idea what they were talking about or they just simply lied. This was billed as a fast-paced thriller (as indicated from the smoking gun) on the cover. It was not a fast-paced thriller, but a deliberately paced character study of a high-powered lawyer who had a near death experience as a boy, which only plays in the next to last scene of the movie. The lawyer meets a man who claims to be able to see when people are going to die; this is not the story, although the box suggests the story revolves around the relationship of the two men. It's not. It's about the lawyer re-examining his life, which should lead to a character arc. Instead, there's a character dump in the last scene. The movie is based on a French novel and has great acting (except for the lead; his one expression gets very tiresome), wonderful music, direction and cinematography, but it goes on about 20 minutes too long. The book probably answers the questions that the film raises, but doesn't develop. And the title "Afterward" should have been changed since it has very little to do with the afterlife, but with life and its end at death. But this film should have been promoted as a drama of life and death as it pertains to a successful lawyer and the events in his life instead of a "fast paced thriller" that will "fill every nerve with tension" because that is not this film. If you have some time to kill, it's an okay view as long as you know what you're watching; a dramatic character study with its share of problems. Otherwise, stay away.

nitznitch 2012-05-16 16:25:11

Framed like an IMAX

From the reviews I gathered that the 2008 Afterwards is an adaptationof the novel in French, Et Apres. This explains the theme of us notknowing the hour of our own deaths, and even more importantly, notknowing before then, which of the people we know well and who are well,will die and how. But the interest of the story doesn't explain why thedirector handled the theme the way he did. What are the images of theQuebec countryside, summer and winter, in direct contrast with? Afterall, Claire is a photographer of nature who is insisting onphotographing in the snow at night a plant that only blooms one day ayear. She thinks husband Nathan is a creep for being a natural at hisjob as a New York City lawyer. Cinematographer Pin Bing Lee and filmeditor Valerie Deseine have filled a large number of earlier frameswith office building windows. All this is woven together by the musicof Alexandre Desplat. Surely an intention was for all of us to see abright white light surrounding each of us, in preparation for notknowing when the next NYC 9-11 will be and how.

rgcustomer 2012-05-16 21:00:42

Nonsense didn't move me

Here's yet another film that attempts to seriously suggest theexistence of such things as life after death, clairvoyance, andwhatnot, and have us get all misty-eyed about it.Instead of treating these Final Destination subjects as the comedy orhorror or comedy-horror themes they rightly are, we're given a dullsort of mystery that's supposed to also be a love story. Who is goingto die next? (Not a big surprise if you've seen more than two films inyour life.) The fact is, we're ALL going to die. Nobody gets to live forever. Andonly those who take their own lives get to decide when they die. Therest of us gamble a minute at a time that we won't suffer a fatal brainaneurysm or get killed by lightning.The thing about death is that it's final. Sure, there's medical death,which can be survived, and is sometimes intentionally used for surgicalpurposes. But then there's the death we all know about, the death thatis either embalmed, plastinated, burned, or allowed to rot, beyondwhich nothing ever returns. Ever. It will happen to all of us.If people actually knew when or how death was coming, this would be amarkedly different world. There's a lot of money to be made in thingslike setting up your will the way you want it before you die, insteadof what it was 10 years ago when you last revised it. Or trimming backyour insurance policy so it doesn't go all the way to age 90. Orstepping down from an organization so it won't be left suddenlyleaderless. Probably the best use is so that would-be assassins andother murderers are caught and prosecuted immediately after their(apparently unstoppable) crimes.Of course, this film's biggest mistake is in the idea that we reallyonly need to care about people when they're about to die. Most of usknow that's not true, and we don't need the supernatural to justify it.I've noticed some negativity about Romain's performance, but I thoughtit was reasonable for the role.

2012-05-16 06:31:27

A Misleading Mishmash

First of all, this DVD's jacket is misleading. This is NOT a mystery, a thriller, or an action film - as the smoking gun on the cover suggests. It's more of a plodding, confused elegy.What's more, this movie looks as if it was the result of some boozy after-hours confabbing at an international film festival. It looks as if, under the influence, a polyglot clutch of people decided it would be a good idea to cement American-French relations with a joint cinematic project. "Let's see now, who should star in the movie? Let's try to get John Malkovich. His career is hot now. And how about Romain Duris? The French like this one of their native sons." The resultant movie is a mixed drink whose ingredients are at war with each other, a somewhat benumbing brew of barroom philosophy that never should have been concocted.The main character moves between France and America, his every step haunted by a strange man who issues enigmatic warnings about pending health issues and death. This "messenger," played by Malkovich, says he can't predict people's time of death - only that they will die. Well, yes. Do we really need supernatural visionaries to tell us that?Duris is wooden in his response to these intrusions. Speaking English with a heavy French accent, he seems out of place in both France and in America.There is some lovely photography here. But that's hardly enough to compensate for the movie's flimsy conjuring of clichés - "Live in the moment. Celebrate life rather than fearing death." Neither the acting nor the script does anything to make us more acutely feel the truth of these commonplaces. They are like all barroom utterances. They might seem profound at the moment, but when we're sober in the light of the following day, we find they've left no trace of motivating effect on us.

daweed1 2012-05-06 09:47:08

a moving tale about life and death

This is my first review on IMDb and while I am a serious movie fan, Idefinitely do not consider myself a movie critic...I mostly judgemovies on how I like them and why... So consider the following anaccount of my liking rather than something you would expect in thefeuilleton...I have read many reviews on IMDb and was rather amazed that there are(so far) only two reviews available on this motion picture. In myopinion "Afterwards" is an excellent movie, which is why I decided toadd a third review here...--------- *SPOILER ALERT*----------"Afterwards" is the story of successful New York lawyer Nathan (playedby Romain Duris) who through the acquaintance of Dr. Kay (JohnMalkovich) learns of and about his role as a messenger (of death). Amessenger can see when other people are about to die unexpectedlythrough sickness or unnatural causes. He or she then ought to enterthese peoples' lives in a way such that they may die in peace withthemselves and their loved ones. The price for being a messenger issuch that the messenger him- or herself has lost or will lose theperson closest to him or her - in the case of Nathan it is his(ex-)wife with whom he reconnects throughout the movie.--------- *SPOILER ALERT END*----------The movie is slowly paced and in spite of what has been written in oneof the other reviews not confusing at all. The plot is ratherstraightforward and only occasional flashbacks into Nathan's life takethe viewer on a little detour story-wise.In my opinion "Afterwards" features the best acting of John Malkovichsince "Being John Malkovich" and again au contraire to what has beensaid in one of the earlier reviews a more than solid performance byRomain Duris. Personally I loved his subdued portrayal of Nathan.Evangeline Lilly in the supporting role of his wife is very relatable,but not the center of attention in this picture. All in all I do think this movie is not what you would normally callhighly entertaining or thought-provoking. However, while one can alwaysargue about the story (basically it says "carpe diem"), it is verymoving and may take the viewer (certainly me at least) on a journey ofemotions that takes you out of your daily life and lets you questionyour own priorities and ways doing things - of living fully, if nothappily.As a closing remark I also want to congratulate Alexandre Desplat on avery fine soundtrack. It certainly does not compare the likes of HansZimmer, James Newton Howard, etc in terms of force and presence. Butfor those who appreciate a fine and delicate soundtrack I think it willwork even as stand-alone (I bought it). In any case it finely supportsthe characters and the emotions they experience in this tale about lifeand death - and love.

Vincentiu 2012-05-06 02:58:15

Reminder

Interesting idea. The charm of Malkovich. And the delicate silhouetteof Romain Duris. A movie as old question. About life, love and essenceof every day.About death and expectations. About truth and believes.The taller is not very inspired. The words are dust, the nuances arebroken mirrors, the lights are only grills of evening.It is a goodmovie but the taste is not sensational. All is known and the firstexpectation dies in short time.Nothing is fake, ugly or boring. But thepieces of others movies makes a rusty picture. All seems reheated food.Good intentions are contours of truism. The end is twilight of apromise. A great promise. But it is not very bad; every reminder is alesson. About the story, evenings , life and hope.

2012-05-02 14:28:02

Under the radar

I watched this last night and was very surprised that I hadn't heard or read anything about this film. This is the type of movie that you need to see twice to appreciate. The acting, directing, subject matter, and pace are all top tier, interesting, and anything but stereotypic. This film deserves more stars and recognition than it seems to have been awarded. Give it a try. It's worth owning or renting.

okusandman 2012-05-02 03:58:19

A film about learning how to live

For a movie that concerned itself so much with death and dying, I wassurprised at how much it said about life and learning how to live.Anyone who has been through a period of personal evolution will be ableto relate to the main character as he reflects on the past events ofhis life and begins to change the dynamic of how he lives goingforward. Those who haven't already reached these conclusions on theirown will probably find it more difficult to understand.I believe the reserved performance by the main character was a perfectrepresentation of a man who is led by his career and by practicalmatters, and has shut himself off from his emotions and any real senseof living. Malkovich plays the somewhat creepy, mysterious benefactorof insights unseen (until the end of the movie) and delivers everythingyou'd expect from him in such a role. The female characters generatethe same sympathy and compassion from the audience as they do fromtheir male counterparts in the film, and that's why this movie works.If we are moved, we understand how they would be moved.Preparing oneself to die by truly embracing life is not the theme I wasexpecting from this movie, but it's probably a better one than what Iwas looking for. I generally classify movies like this as "must see"films because anyone that hasn't figured something like this out ontheir own, really should. And the sooner, the better.

2012-04-28 14:22:17

An immersive film that is worth the watch

Once again the Weinstein circus has squashed another good film with no distribution and misleading cover art (their two specialties). To help with the art, there is no significant gun play (smoking gun cover), and the central character played excellently (in English) by Romain Duris gets supplemental pics on the back cover only. Yes, Malkovich and Lilly have supporting roles that they play with powerful directness, but this is really about one man's journey in finding what is important before a fatalistic event may or may not occur in his life. The tagline of "fear the messenger" is actually the opposite of what the film is trying to convey. And the misplaced cover quote (with bad grammar) reveals nothing about the truth of the film ("..tension.."?) - was more of a subtle emotional draw. There is a beautiful serenity to this entire film - all inclusive with how they manage the cityscapes, countrysides and solitude of the central character, both with the musical score and the cinematography. The story follows a recently divorced lawyer who tries to make sense of this doctor's revelations about how he can foresee death. The story is told in a non-lineal format between present day and some unknown dreamscape involving the main character's family in a beautiful wooded area. I honestly feel the rest of this immersion tale and subplots are up to the viewer to decide in what is meant, as nothing gets preachy or too descriptive in how these messengers might have this power.As par for Weinstein, they give no supplements, but the video and audio quality are excellent. Bourdos has written and directed a mesmerizing film here, but I have not read Et Apres to know how the translation went. Four for the film and quality but cannot give a five as there is no additional material to assist the package.

2012-04-28 07:31:09

'O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory?'

Sometimes the promotional department of a film causes people to not view a film because it is misrepresented by the graphics on the poster, the DVD cover, or the trailer. Such is the case with AFTERWARDS - a lovely exploration of the concept of death and dying philosophy that has nothing to do with the image of John Malkovich holding a smoking gun! And that is a shame: this is a film that has a lot to say and provides a lot to think about thanks to the writing, directing and acting. The story is adapted from the novel "Et Après..." by Guillaume Musso by Michel Spinosa and writer/director Gilles Bourdos. It is a complex story that thankfully due to the talent of the cast and director is able to carry the audience into a place perhaps not considered or discovered before. It is a thinking person's film and a rewarding one.The film opens in an idyllic setting of a lake of water lilies where we observe a little French boy Nathan and an English speaking girl Claire gently admiring swans(interesting to note that swans are traditionally or mythically associated with death). The girl slips on the dock, is trapped, and sends the boy to find her parents. The boy runs to the highway where he becomes the victim of a tragic hit and run accident. The film then jumps ahead about twenty years and we discover Nathan (Romain Duris) as a successful New York lawyer living alone after his marriage to Claire (Evangeline Lilly) has ended after the crib death of their son, leaving Claire to manage alone in New Mexico with the couple's surviving daughter: Nathan cannot cope with the fact that he feels responsible for the son's death by not responding to his cries. A strange doctor, Dr. Kay (John Malkovich) appears in Nathan's life claiming that he is able to sense death before it happens: he works in a hospital for the terminally ill, among them is one young lad Jeremy (Reece Thompson) with cardiac carcinoma who is struggling with his incipient dying. Dr. Kay is not malevolent, he is simply a 'Messenger' - one given the ability to visualize a bright white halo around a person who is soon to die. Nathan will not consider the veracity of this obtuse thought until Dr. Kay suggests he visit an old friend Anna (Pascale Bussières) who now works in a diner, living with her Russian father and her son. Nathan is curious, meets Anna, and upon visiting her home witnesses the death of Anna's father. Nathan contacts Dr. Kay, hostile that Dr Kay had suggested Anna was to die but instead lost her father, and Dr Kay reassures Nathan of the process: soon Anna dies also. At this point Dr Kay shares Nathan's history: Nathan did not die in the hit and run accident many years ago and was attended by Dr Kay who then knew that Nathan was also a Messenger. How Nathan turns his life around to flee to New Mexico and join Claire is the transformation of the film.This is a delicate story told with sincerity and lack of sensationalism. It is a journey into the philosophy of what happens to us as we die. Nathan explains this to is daughter as death being like a ship that sails to the horizon and disappears to our eyes, yet the ship sails on beyond our scope of vision into another unknown space. Director Gilles Bourdos handles the pacing of this visually stunning film with such grace that it becomes a gentle work, allowing the finest acting yet seen from Malkovich, and reminds us of just how fine an actor Romain Duris has become. This is also a lovely introduction of Evangeline Lilly, an actress with tremendous screen presence and acting ability. Forget the trailer and the ugly cover of this DVD and allow yourself to enjoy this mesmerizingly beautiful film. Grady Harp, November 10

2012-04-26 20:11:07

a fine motion picture with a rather shocking ending

As others correctly noted, the cover art of this DVD is misleading: The movie has some violence (but not a lot) with guns and a central character, Nathan (played by Romain Duris) is shown only on the back cover! But here's what you CAN expect: Afterwards offers a fascinating plot with excellent acting, a sold script and a very good musical score. The plot moves along well; I never lost interest or felt bored watching this movie--indeed, as it progressed it only made me more interested to find out just exactly how it would all end. The editing was well done and the flashbacks are easy enough to recognize and place into the overall story. When the action starts, we meet Nathan (Romain Duris), a cold, dispassionate New York City lawyer who is divorced from his ex-wife Claire (Evangeline Lilly). Nathan cruelly dismisses a group of Haitians who need legal help after a plane crash in which their relatives were killed; and he wants his very young daughter Tracey to fly to New York alone for a vacation with him, even though Tracey makes it clear to him that she's very afraid of traveling alone. At this time another person enters Nathan's life, at first seemingly for no real reason. Dr. Kay (John Malkovich) heads a department in a Saint Louis medical facility where the terminally ill are cared for with as much dignity as they can have until they die; and when Nathan initially thinks that Kay is suggesting that Nathan himself might die Nathan angrily scoffs at the idea. Just to be sure, Nathan goes through a battery of medical tests, none of which indicate any cause for alarm--and that's when Nathan really tells Dr. Kay to get lost. But soon Nathan does begin to believe that Dr. Kay may actually be able to predict who is going to die soon--Kay tells him that a young man named Dennis (James Arden) will die "in less than two minutes;"--and Dennis DOES die by his own hand! Moreover, Dr. Kay also predicts that an old friend of Nathan's named Anna (Pascale Bussières) is going to die--but this time Nathan takes it upon himself to personally protect Anna and make sure that she does not die. Nathan is beginning to completely believe that Dr. Kay can indeed predict who is going to die soon; but he wants to go out of his way to take good care of Anna to make sure that she lives.After Dr. Kay gives Nathan a few more cryptic clues, Nathan begins to fear that he, too, will die soon. This brings up huge unfinished issues and business for Nathan: he wants to make amends with his ex-wife Claire and be together again with his daughter Tracey as fast as possible--before it just might be too late.You may be wondering why I've told you so much of the story; but actually I've left out some of the story so far and I'm certainly not about to spoil it for you by giving away anything more! Suffice it to say that the last ten or so minutes of the film have a couple of plot twists that will stun you. Look also for a fine performance by Reece Thompson as Jeremy, a young man with a terminal illness in the Saint Louis medical facility. I would have liked some bonus features but the DVD doesn't offer that. Afterwards is a fine thriller with excellent acting all the way. I recommend this film for anyone who enjoys thrillers and mysteries. Of course, fans of the actors in this movie would do well to add this to their collections.

rpmmurphy 2012-04-25 23:55:59

A Direct Atom Egoyan Descendant... Ultimately Overwrought.

A carefully constructed and beautifully photographed film. Verysuccessfully and thoughtfully utilizes diverse North Americanlocations- from rustic summertime Quebec to New York City to WhiteSands, New Mexico and SW environs. Features classic Atom Egoyan narrative/plot/hook structure: that keepsyou "learning" -up to the final frames- just what you have beenwatching. But...... the film is so thick- both thematically and with itssumptuous imagery- that by the time you get there (the end)- thereasonable 1hr45 screening time seems about 30min past due. You areworn out as if you've been force fed a fine cheese cake. Less woulddefinitely be more. Also... the film comes so close to Egoyan as to practically- and Ibelieve at one point actually- lift some lines directly from THE SWEETHEREAFTER (1997): "...Someone didn't do his job... There is nomystery..." - although here, the character's arc carries him beyondbeing imprisoned by this thinking.Overall: good, meaningful, thought provoking, flawed- underrated by theIMDb score.

2012-04-22 20:53:08

Message in the Halo of Light

This review is from: Afterwards (DVD) What if you were going to die? Would you want to know? Would you be prepared? What if the messenger of death remained at your side, waiting for your eyes to finally open? Would you fight to keep them closed, hold your life close to your chest, or could you let go, accept what you cannot control? If you could save a life, would you in return save yours, or would fate deny you the chance to live again? What would you do then? Would you lash out in anger, hurl bitter words at those offering support, and cry a thousand tears, tears that fall gently like soft, white feathers? What if the message was wrong? What if death already came? What would be the price for you to pay because you are alive today? We all walk that fine line between life and death, but do we ever understand that the message is not what waits in the white halo of light but to cherish every moment leading into the end of the end.

sonja_kiki 2012-04-22 14:00:20

After you've read the book, this is just... stupid ( 'cause curses are not allowed )

The movie overall was... ooookay. Performance was almost realistic, butI couldn't relate to the main character, though I don't think it's theactor's fault, it's just bad directing. I mean, seriously awfuldirecting. It almost has nothing to do with the book. Honestly if Ihadn't read it, i wouldn't have seen the movie.It is completely different from the book. Of course, the book is alwaysbetter, but this is just too different. First of all, the clinic thatis run by Dr. Kay ( Gudrich in the book ) is supposed to be a niceplace, that does not look like a clinic at all. It is supposed to be analmost happy place, if that's possible. I don't think Duris should'vebeen chosen for the role * though he did play it well considering themovie*, because Nathan is supposed to be a completely differentpersonality.Secondly, the relationship between Nathan and Claire has not been shownconsistently.The whole movie had this dull, tiresome atmosphere and nothing's everhappening. They've shown everything in a different light. In the book, there are ACTUALLY reasons, excuses for characters actionsand all of the characters have an emotional depth that the movie justdoes not show.All in all, this is a movie probably worth watching if you haven't readthe book, because it does have some life-is-worth-living motives and itactually can make you appreciate it more, but if you, on the other handHAVE read the book, I'm begging you not to watch the movie, it willjust ruin it for you.

Claudio Carvalho 2012-04-17 22:30:01

Foretelling Deaths

In New York, the French Nathan (Romain Duris) is a successful lawyerdivorced from Claire (Evangeline Lilly) and with a little daughter. Oneday, he meets the mysterious head of the department of the Saint LouisClinic Dr. Kay (John Malkovich) in his office and the man shows that heknows details of his life. Dr. Kay discloses that he can foretellpeople's death and he proves to Nathan that he is not a fraud. Nathanis assigned by Dr. Kay to give comfort to those that will die soon.Further, he discovers that his fate is also to be a Messenger. "Afterwards" is a low-paced drama with a beautiful cinematography aboutpeople that has the ability to know when people will die. Theunexpected scene in the beginning is very impressive but the screenplayis confused, using many flashbacks but without explanation of the wholescenario. Nevertheless, it discloses in a sensitive way the life andtragedies of the tough lawyer Nathan. John Malkovich is excellent asusual; the gorgeous Evangeline Lilly has also a good performance; butRomain Duris is miscast since he is absolutely non-charismatic with hisarrogant expression. My vote is six.Title (Brazil): "Depois de Partir" ("After the Departure")

ssto 2012-04-17 12:46:30

decent movie

this is a well produced movie, with an interesting story. it isdeveloping quite slowly and i like the somewhat 'open' ending.essentially, a movie of appreciation of life, love, forgiveness andletting go. mr.malkovich plays a good part, making up for the somewhatpale performance of the lead actor. this is probably the weakest pointof this production - the lack of an outstanding lead. apart from that -great production, i especially liked the smooth camera work.it really needs very little to be a big movie, and while i cannot say iwas thrilled watching it, i did watch with interest. i understand thebook, that the movie is based on is quiet good, hopefully it has moredepth and makes for more significant lead personage

jotix100 2012-04-12 12:22:07

The messenger

As the story begins, we are taken to an ideal bucolic setting that endsin what might be a lake. A boy and a girl are playing in a dock. Thelittle girl steps on a loose board and gets trapped. She beginsscreaming while the boy goes running to get help. As the boy goes tocross the highway, he is struck by an oncoming car. This scene holdsthe key to perhaps understanding the mystery posed by the creators ofthis complex film.Without explanation we are taken to a Manhattan plush conference roomwhere Nathan, a successful lawyer is hearing a colleague present a casewhich the firm might be interested in taking. It involves a suitagainst an airline where several family members have died in theCaribbean due to negligence. Nathan does not quite agree with thepresentation and decides it is not for the firm.At this time, an enigmatic man, who claims to be a Dr. Kay, arrives tospeak with Nathan. The doctor watches Nathan while he puts sugar in hiscoffee; he is shocked by the amount of sugar the lawyer uses, so hewarns him about possible health risks, something that is dismissed. Thenature of Dr. Kay's visit is not immediately known, but the effect ofhis visit will linger in Nathan's mind and it will disturb him deeply.It is obvious Dr. Kay has come as some sort of messenger to warn aboutan impending doom, which is hard to understand.Nathan's life will be greatly transformed as he learns more about Dr.Kay's message. He is shocked when the doctor asks him to accompany towatch a horrible scene in a subway station. Kay also tells him about alady who Nathan used to know and her impending demise. Dr. Kay alsopoints to other matters that must be seen to in Nathan's own life, likethe strange relationship between Nathan and Claire, his former wife. Weget to know about the personal tragedy in their life and finally Nathanis told about why he has been chosen by Dr. Kay in what will be his ownmission in life."Afterwards" is not an easy film to grasp, yet there are rewards forthe viewer that pays close attention to what really is underneath ofwhat surfaces on the screen. Directed by Gilles Bourdos, and based on anovel "Et apres", which we never read, with Mr. Bourdos and MichelSpinosa's adaptation of the original material. The film is gorgeouslyphotographed by Pin Bing Lee with an original musical score byAlexandre Desplat, a man with an excellent taste in whatever project hedecides to undertake. The film was shot in different locales going fromQuebec, to Manhattan to New Mexico.Romain Duris, a versatile French actor, is at the center of the filmplaying Nathan. In his first assignment for an English language movie,this amazing actor shows why he is one of the most interestingpersonalities working today. John Malkovich appears as Dr. Kay, theenigmatic man with a mission. Canadian beauty Evangeline Lilly is fineas Claire.

2012-04-12 00:02:39

A flawed movie

Very disappointing. Spoilers>> Malkovich claimed he could not say when exactly someone will die but he knew they were going to die (we all can predict this). But when the guy on the tube shot himself he said he was going to die within 2 hours (did it mean that when they glowed white they had 2 more hours?). So how soon was Clair going to die after she glowed. It was all pointless as the Messengers had no power to stop death only to predict that someone was going to die at sometime.

gradyharp 2012-04-04 23:26:56

'O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory?'

Sometimes the promotional department of a film causes people to notview a film because it is misrepresented by the graphics on the poster,the DVD cover, or the trailer. Such is the case with AFTERWARDS - alovely exploration of the concept of death and dying philosophy thathas nothing to do with the image of John Malkovich holding a smokinggun! And that is a shame: this is a film that has a lot to say andprovides a lot to think about thanks to the writing, directing andacting. The story is adapted from the novel "Et Après..." by GuillaumeMusso by Michel Spinosa and writer/director Gilles Bourdos. It is acomplex story that thankfully due to the talent of the cast anddirector is able to carry the audience into a place perhaps notconsidered or discovered before. It is a thinking person's film and arewarding one. The film opens in an idyllic setting of a lake of water lilies where weobserve a little French boy Nathan and an English speaking girl Clairegently admiring swans(interesting to note that swans are traditionallyor mythically associated with death). The girl slips on the dock, istrapped, and sends the boy to find her parents. The boy runs to thehighway where he becomes the victim of a tragic hit and run accident.The film then jumps ahead about twenty years and we discover Nathan(Romain Duris) as a successful New York lawyer living alone after hismarriage to Claire (Evangeline Lilly) has ended after the crib death oftheir son, leaving Claire to manage alone in New Mexico with thecouple's surviving daughter: Nathan cannot cope with the fact that hefeels responsible for the son's death by not responding to his cries. Astrange doctor, Dr. Kay (John Malkovich) appears in Nathan's lifeclaiming that he is able to sense death before it happens: he works ina hospital for the terminally ill, among them is one young lad Jeremy(Reece Thompson) with cardiac carcinoma who is struggling with hisincipient dying. Dr. Kay is not malevolent, he is simply a 'Messenger'- one given the ability to visualize a bright white halo around aperson who is soon to die. Nathan will not consider the veracity ofthis obtuse thought until Dr. Kay suggests he visit an old friend Anna(Pascale Bussières) who now works in a diner, living with her Russianfather and her son. Nathan is curious, meets Anna, and upon visitingher home witnesses the death of Anna's father. Nathan contacts Dr. Kay,hostile that Dr Kay had suggested Anna was to die but instead lost herfather, and Dr Kay reassures Nathan of the process: soon Anna diesalso. At this point Dr Kay shares Nathan's history: Nathan did not diein the hit and run accident many years ago and was attended by Dr Kaywho then knew that Nathan was also a Messenger. How Nathan turns hislife around to flee to New Mexico and join Claire is the transformationof the film. This is a delicate story told with sincerity and lack ofsensationalism. It is a journey into the philosophy of what happens tous as we die. Nathan explains this to is daughter as death being like aship that sails to the horizon and disappears to our eyes, yet the shipsails on beyond our scope of vision into another unknown space.Director Gilles Bourdos handles the pacing of this visually stunningfilm with such grace that it becomes a gentle work, allowing the finestacting yet seen from Malkovich, and reminds us of just how fine anactor Romain Duris has become. This is also a lovely introduction ofEvangeline Lilly, an actress with tremendous screen presence and actingability. Forget the trailer and the ugly cover of this DVD and allowyourself to enjoy this mesmerizingly beautiful film. Grady Harp

mayorbob 2012-04-04 01:55:15

Intriguing story undone by a wooden lead and confusing direction

Just saw this movie and the main selling point was Malkovich in thecast. He was fine, as was the female lead played by Evangeline Lilly.The main thing that did this movie in for me was a rather leadenperformance from Romain Duris. The basic plot is that Malkovich is a"messenger" or someone who can foretell people's deaths. He is also adoctor working with dying people. He contacts Duris and, for thegreater part of the movie, the audience is lead to believe that Durisis destined to die. Needless to say, this isn't the way the movie playsout. The director (or writer) manages to establish a dull, ploddingrhythm to the film which is confusing and distracting. No more info foranyone interested in seeing the film and the film is worth a rental, ifonly to watch and revel in another quirky performance from Malkovichand a great performance from Evangeline Lilly. The main problem is it'sdifficult to empathize, sympathize or otherwise ize with Duris who hasthe emotional range of a rock in this film.