Review of Reds (1981) by Ben F — 24 Mar 2011

"Reds" is one of the most enduring movies ever made, and it only reflects how enduring the process must have been for Warren Beatty. He was absolutely brilliant...in all departments. His acting and directing was absolutely astounding. Using brilliant craft, he was able to tackle a film and story that can easily be politically referenced to situations in this day in age. It's a wonderful movie.

The whole movie revolves around the relationship between Beatty's character, and Diane Keaton's character, both journalists who meet each other and fall in love, though the relationship is anything but perfect. Even though they have their ups and downs, they are still able to maintain a care for one another. Beatty belongs to the communist party that is rising in the ranks in The United States, and he plans to change the country forever. It's an astounding plot, and it's execution is flawless.

The performances were excellent. Beatty and Jack Nicholson were my particular favorites. They were both just wonderful. Beatty was sweet, but powerful when he needed to be, and Nicholson had this beautiful monotone delivery, but when he felt passionate about something, he would get very into it. Diane Keaton was also excellent, giving that same devotion and excellent charisma that she always does. Excellent in this department.

I was a real fan of the cinematography. Because the characters go all over the place, there are dozens and dozens of wonderful landscape sequences, dolly shots, you name it. During intense sequences of Beatty running or whatever, the camera work is amazing. I loved it. This, mixed in with the astounding editing, going from the film, to the real life testimonies of the actual people who were witness to Beatty and Keaton's relationship was awesome. You could just tell that it was all done so well, and you always gotta love that.

"Reds" is an absolute timeless movie, for so many reasons. The performances, camera work, script, editing, direction, execution, photography, and soundtrack are all put together perfectly to go in conjunction with the movie's overall message. It really brings the viewer full circle, and the movie obviously comes straight from the heart. It's a movie to see.