Review of Beginners (2011) by Milla V — 16 Mar 2013

I really liked the presentation and editing of Beginners, as well as the music and performances. Christopher Plummer, Ewan McGregor, and Melanie Laurent were all great. I loved the whole "This is 2003.

This is what the sun looked like, and the stars, and the president." Even though I'm not exactly sure what I'm supposed to take away from that, I like it because it's different and original.

I really liked the scenes between McGregor and Laurent's characters when they first meet at a costume party, which were the best scenes in the film. The odd thing about Beginners is the tone: it constantly switches from being really uplifting and positive to utterly depressing and bleak.

I guess that's the entire point though, for the viewer to decide if the events of the film are good or bad. It doesn't try to shove ideas and thoughts in your face, but instead calmly asks you to think about it.

It's a nice change of pace compared to most other romantic dramas.