Review of Everything Is Illuminated (2005) by Alexander J — 06 Oct 2008

These days, hardly any movie manages to evoke a definite feeling. Numbness seems to reign in theatres and on DVD. Last time I remember I cried was when I saw "Grave Of The Fireflies*. Yes. I cried again.

I admit to it. This movie managed to get me past the brink of tears. Although "Everything Is Illuminated" starts out as some sort of dead-pan comedy in an almost Keaton-esque way, the tables turn midway through and you can but feel for all characters involved, especially for Alex's grandfather who develops in some sort of leading role late into the movie.

Elijah Wood almost disappears in the vast Ukrainian countryside, but I consider that a compliment. He does a great job at maintaining a straight face as Foer's alter ego on the quest for his grandfather's past.

Eugene Hutz's joyful antics add so much to the story - genius move to have the singer included. In the end, it feels a little bit like "Garden State", only drier and more focused and without a classical happy ending.

It's a stunning portrait of a life-changing endeavour. Especially the flashbacks to the 1940ies are very, very moving. I bow my head to Liev Schreiber for this fitting and brilliant adaptation. For a debut feature.

this comes close to a classic. Highly recommended to everyone even only slightly interested in WWII and the Genocide.