“The Reader” is by no means a bad film, but the Stephen Daldry-directed film was called “devastating” by one friend of a friend in the industry and we felt like it was anything but. Like Joe Wright’s “Atonement,” and Daldry’s “The Hours” the film is shot, edited and paced in the contemporary classical mode of most modern dramas, but we felt completely removed from the story emotionally and we must assume the “devastating” comment points to this very trait. The way the story arc goes, one should be emotionally shelved by the film, but it doesn’t happen and its hard to pinpoint exactly why. The performances are capable (though nothing stands out), the editing and pace is not as rushed or hurried as some people suggested (that denotes an erratic film and “The Reader” is anything but), but it just doesn’t draw you in as much as it hopes to.
One reason? The elegant and carefully constructed drama is commendably subtle, dare we say too subtle? Normally this is a characteristic that we love and laud, the film is graceful, and thankfully doesn’t really resort to tear-jerking melodrama, but perhaps it’s the slightly cold, almost bottled-passion of the film (which never really uncorks) that leaves us two steps removed. It’s almost like watching a tremendously moving story behind a thick pane of glass. There’s an air of classic Miramax film to it all, which really shows how The Weinstiens have their touch and know what they like, but it’s just not quite up to that heyday, though it does remind one of it.
The Oscar possibilities: Not the obvious ones. Best Picture and a nod for Kate Winslet seem out of reach, it’s not her best work. What did really shine was Nico Mulhaly’s score and Rodger Deakins’ rich, rich cinematography. Whereas most directors of photography go for the obvious, making colors pop, Deakins skillfully (and amazingly) creates grains, textures and contours in seemingly muted colors. He makes beige seem alive for crying out loud. He never ceases to amaze us.
Much like our thoughts, Variety says the film is “sensitively realized and dramatically absorbing, but comes across as an essentially cerebral experience without gut impact” and that pretty much nails it.