there are two words that immediately come to mind when thinking of the film, atonement. the first is baffled. we at dot.conor are completely baffled that the oscar pundits are predicting that this film will be shut out of a best picture nod at this year's oscars, much like dreamgirls last year, especially after the flick landed the best picture prize at the star-less golden globes this year. and the second word that comes to mind regarding joe wright's masterpiece is stunning. this movie is flat-out stunning, from the set design to the score, the costumes to the acting, and from the camera work to the script. equal parts funny, moving, and upsetting, this period piece transfixes you. keira knightley and james mcavoy, as the star-crossed lovers at the center of the story, have a rippling on-screen presence together, and the five minute scene of a war-stricken beach town enthralls you. our theory that brenda blethyn has the midas touch, in that any movie she appears in is simply gold, is only proved right here time and again. here's to hoping for a stunning decision by the academy to reward such a rich film, rather than a truly baffling one.








