Review of Young Adam (2003) by Paul M — 31 Aug 2007
I am not surprised that this film has not become a darling of the viewing audiences of this time. It offers hard views, views of this time indeed, seen through the darkness of recent history. The source novel is set in post-WWII Scotland.
Joe, the anti-hero, is a young man of his time. He is motivated by personal freedom, as he perceives it, at any cost. He has sex whenever it is easily available; he moves on when it isn't. He would rather witness the death of others than face his own responsibility to them.
He is a coward, who drifts like a barge from transaction to transaction. He only feels safe when he is moving. The film is all mood. There is no cluttering dialogue. It is visual, the perfect medium for its message to a visual age.
The performances are evenly powerful. McGregor continues to stretch his range. Swinton is immersed in her character. Mullan's Les is complex and believable. McKenzie's direction is masterful. It creates a whole universe and pulls the viewer in.
If you are tired of reality TV and explosions, go see this film.
This review of Young Adam (2003) was written by Paul M on 31 Aug 2007.
Young Adam has generally received positive reviews.
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