Review of 21 Grams (2003) by Eric C — 28 Apr 2010

This is told in a very similar way to Amores Perros, but Iâ??m beginning to think that it is just the style of Alejandro González Iñárritu. Telling a very particular event and its outcome from three perspectives gives the viewer a lot to think about.

The story is probably complicated to some and downright confusing to others, but if you let your viewing practice switch just a little it is quite easy to understand. The film is non-linear, but it follows a very direct emotional path that makes perfect sense in the larger sense.

This is more of a direct character piece, rather than true stories. It is mostly about the three people and their lives. It doesnâ??t delve much into supporting roles or background imagery, which is where it really differs from Amores Perros.

Itâ??s a completely different atmosphere from what Iâ??m used to seeing in film because it doesnâ??t really feel like a film. It feels like snippets of someoneâ??s mind and images that serve as a counterpart to it.

Those minds are acted out wonderfully by Sean Penn, Naomi Watts and Benicio Del Toro. The way they interact or donâ??t interact is so interesting to watch. You really get the feeling that these characters could live outside the film.

Now I do stand by the judgment that this isnâ??t a visual film, but that isnâ??t to say it isnâ??t beautiful. You might not need the images, but they are almost like a series of perfect photos that would show in an art gallery.