Hereafter Review
by admin on October 23rd, 2010
The Starting Line-up: Matt Damon, Cecile De France, Theirry Neuvic, Jay Mohr, Richard Kind, Frankie McLaren, George McLaren, Lyndsey Marshall, Rebekah Staton, Declan Conlon, Bryce Dallas Howard, Marthe Keller, and Steve Schirripa.
Dante’s Thoughts: “Hereafter” is a psychological drama that posses one of life’s toughest questions…what happens when we die? To answer this question director Clint Eastwood presents the audience with an idea that some might see as a hoax, and others might see as the truth. What struck me the most about this film is that the concept of the afterlife presented had very little do with religious theory; instead the audience is told of a peaceful place that accepts everyone for who they are, and doesn’t discriminate based on different ideologies. I was also impressed by the very accurate depiction of chance encounters, and how these seemingly random meetings can change a person’s life forever. Matt Damon was good as the reluctant psychic turned factory worker, but this won’t go down as one of his best roles, but then again I’m still high off his performances in “Invictus,” “The Departed,” and “The Bourne” series… A big surprise for me was Cecile De France’s portrayal of the French political journalist turned paranormal writer, Marie LeLay. Compared to her performance in “High Tension,” this role seems like a complete 180-degree turn, and I hope she wins some awards for it. To be honest, when it’s all said and done Clint Eastwood will be able to add this film to his list of all-time greats.
The Gameplan: “Hereafter” tells the stories of three people who have all been impacted by death. George Lonegan (Matt Damon) has the very unusual ability to connect and communicate with people in the afterlife. Marie LeLay (Cecile De France), a French journalist, has a near death experience of her own, and believes she has seen the other side. Lastly a young boy in London named Marcus (Frankie/George McLaren) loses the person that he loves most and is searching desperately for answers. As each character searches for what truly will make sense to them, their lives begin to intersect in ways that help them answer the questions they have about the afterlife.
Touchdowns: What can I say about Clint Eastwood as a director that hasn’t already been said; “Hereafter” is another powerful film that will leave audiences wanting more. Matt Damon, Cecile De France, and the rest of the cast were so convincing in their performances, it felt more like I was watching a documentary, and less like a fictional drama. Clint Eastwood knows movies, and he knows how to make them good.
Penalties: If I did throw a flag, it would be against the slow pace of this movie, and the abrupt ending. The entire plot seemed to be building up to what I thought was going to be a colossal ending to the film, and when that didn’t happen, I was somewhat disappointed…I got it, but I still wanted more.
The Game Winner: “Hereafter” wins because it tackles a very difficult subject in a way that presents itself not as arrogant certainty, but as an idea that people of all ages and genders will eventually understand.
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