Review of Things We Lost in the Fire (2007) by Johanna S — 25 Jun 2008

What a solid film. How this movie came and went without receiving any Oscars, I will never know, and I personally feel like it was a crime that this artful and touching film was snubbed. There are so many things going on in this movie that work- the script is fluid and unquestionably real. The cinematography...I mean, I'm not usually one who notices these things, but it was shot in this sharp and beautiful way that only added the film. And the performances? Let me just say that Del Toro is now officially the best actor of our time, and if not than he is totally in the running for that title. He really blew me away, and it was really refreshing to see him in a less crazy, more sympathetic role. The only problem was with Berry. Now, by no means am I saying she's a bad actress, but I feel like she was sort of playing her character on a face level. Whereas Del Toro was a likable drug addict dealing with loss, Berry just seemed cold and distant. I know that was sort of the point, after losing her husband, but it's not very interesting to see a woman who is shut down emotionally for two hours. And the moment where she finally becomes raw and snaps felt a tad overacted, but of course Del Toro was there in all his gloriousness to help me ignore that.

That said, this film seriously deserved awards, if not for the touching story, then for Del Toro's performance.