Review of The Life Before Her Eyes (2007) by Christy B — 07 Jul 2008

Fine acting by Evan Rachel Wood and Uma Thurman. Wood has an ethereal quality and is able to express a weight and maturity far beyond her years. This film is very well written and while challenging to execute, Vadim Perelman does an admirable job of blending the symbolic elements with the tangible.

Careful attention has been paid to the level of detail in the mise en scene and to fully appreciate the craft of this film a second viewing is helpful. The cinematography and editing are both generous and crisp.

The lighting is interestingly designed; very high contrast so the characters are effectively cast in half light. The title sequence cleverly uses a watery focus to introduce the colours and symbols that will eventually come into sharp relief as the story unfolds.

James Horner's scoring is subtle, haunting and beautiful; variations on a theme that builds tension and offers a transcendent release.