Review of Birth (2004) by Steven R — 12 Apr 2008
This film is a psychological mystery that calls to mind the works of Stanley Kubrick and Steven Speilberg. Much controversy was made over this film when it was released - and understandably so - but it is so well acted, and handled with such subtlety that you become completely engrossed with the story. Nicole Kidman was nominated for a Golden Globe for her performance, and I believe that she should have been nominated for an Oscar.
The story is about a woman named Anna, who is preparing to marry her second husband, Joseph. Her first husband, Sean, passed away a few years ago, and she is still greiving his death. One day, a ten year old boy shows up at her mother's birthday party unannounced, and tells her that he is her late husband. At first, she forcefully asks him to leave, but he refuses to leave her alone. He knows things about Sean that no one else would have known. He knows intimate details about her friends and family, and soon it becomes overwhelming, and she starts to believe that it is a possibility that this young man could be the reincarnation of her husband. Most of the film is about her inner struggle with this complicated situation, but the best thing about the film is that it handles it with common sense. The characters act realistically, and that makes all the difference. This film avoids sappiness at all costs, and that makes it all the more powerful and unsettling.
Young co-star Cameron Bright is quite good in his complicated role. People may say that he is simply imitating Haley Joel Osment, but they would be wrong. This is not your typical "creepy kid" role. He brings real depth to the material, and is totally convincing. Screen veteran Lauren Bacall is always a joy to watch, and she plays Kidman's mother.
This is probably one of the most misunderstood films of 2004. Yes, the ending does seem like a cop-out, but I believe it is open to multiple interpretations. BIRTH also boasts some excellent cinematography from Harris Savides, and a haunting score by Alexandre Desplat.
This review of Birth (2004) was written by Steven R on 12 Apr 2008.
Birth has generally received mixed reviews.
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