And this week's Friday night movie has been... The Nativity Story!
Here's a curve ball for you all: The tackling of a religious-themed film.
I have been wanting to see this for quite some time but I've always held it off - this is because I have been on the internet long enough to know that talking about religion is asking for trouble.
But seeing as it's that time of the year.....
To adapt a story from the Bible is similar to adapting Shakespeare: The material has been done countless times before so the challenge lies in finding a new angle. So what does this movie do?
What I find interesting is that the director is one Catherine Hardwick: Future director of the first Twilight movie. And while her interest in desaturated colours is present here and her approach may be heavy-handed (A choral version of Silent Night playing at the end? Seriously?), there are some striking visuals at play here. I also admire the realistic approach this movie takes. I am also impressed to see a pre-fame Oscar Isaacs giving a compelling performance as Joseph. And the sci-fi nerd in me finds it amusing to see Alexander Siddig playing the Angel Gabriel.
But what really makes this movie works is that it tells the story of a couple going on a journey and facing various trials and tribulations before before and during. And that's where the movie really shines, being gripping and finding a strength in both it's simplicity and sensitivity.
So may I conclude this post by wishing you all a Merry Christmas.
