When I first heard of this film, I was defiantly intrigued to what it was to become. After all it is Wally Pfister's film directorial debut, who as most know was cinematographer for every Christopher Nolan film since 2000's Memento. Which coincidentally enough put Nolan on the map, so to speak, of up & coming potentially great directors. We all know how that turned out. Plus, Johnny Depp, who is one of the best actors of our generation, was going to star. Not to mention, he would play a more reserved character then most would know from him nowadays. Of course I'm referring to the ever popular Pirates of the Caribbean franchise which bought Depp to a more mainstream limelight and instantly made him the huge star he was always destined to be. Once enough people saw him in the right role that is, and turns out that role was one of his more quirky characters he was well known for and became the role all the newly fashioned Depp fans would compare to when ever he would delve into another one of quirky original characters, crying out, "All of his characters are just Jack Sparrow in different clothes!" Well, now these late to the game Depp fans can't use that tired argument with this role, thank god. Anyway with the above mentioned, Pfister directing and Depp starring, and then the inevitable releasing of the trailers, it showed potential of being a great film. I just returned from the theater minutes ago after watching this film and here are my thoughts. Though the film felt very dark and depressing as most movies do to me that deal with the possibility of a fractured world do to some life changing futuristic event, the film did have some interesting plot points and elements to think about during the film and afterward. The visuals were very nice to look at and kept the eyes happy for the most part. The music by Mychael Danna was effective in evoking emotion and terror through the film, and didn't make itself very noticeable, which is good. The acting was well performed by its lead Depp of course and the other remaining cast, including the gorgeous Rebecca Hall, Paul Bettany, Cillian Murphy & the always wonderful Morgan Freeman. Also of mention, the performance of Clifton Collins Jr. stood out to me and was something that had me thinking about quite a bit. I will say for Pfister's debut, it was a adequate effort. Not the great film I had hoped, but good enough to warrant better films come from him in the future since this was a fine film indeed. I say if you are interested in this film, but don't know whether to see it in theaters or not, rent it. Cheers! :)
Review of Transcendence
