Review of Ammonite (2020) by Dawdlingpoet — 27 Nov 2021

This is a somewhat slow, plodding type period drama film, or a period bio film perhaps as I'm not sure it'd be fair to call it an outright drama film. I liked the landscape cinematography (at least it shows the seaside setting in all its often dark and windswept glory) and it certainly gives the viewer something of an insight into Mary's life. I'd have liked to have seen more of her on her fossil hunts and perhaps even hearing a bit more of the science behind that side of things but I realise the focus or emphasis is almost entirely on the relationship between Mary and Charlotte. To be fair, the two main actresses (or should I/we refer to them as actors nowadays?), i.e. Kate Winslet and Saoirse Ronan, do gives fairly solid performances, I wouldn't downplay that but I suppose there was a slightly awkward sense (or I felt so anyway) in how understated it was, with a distinct lack of dialogue in some scenes. I suppose there is a sense of atmosphere present, so that's certainly something.

Its an interesting film but not an especially memorable or thought provoking film. Its worth seeing if you know the story and are interested in how it's depicted but I'm not certain I can say you wouldn't be, if partially, disappointed, as I did feel it didn't quite entirely work, hence I wouldn't expressly recommend it, no...but I'd say its worth seeing for the cinematography and acting regardless.