• the narrative is an outstanding biblical parable, there’s strong social undercurrents on pollution and immigration, but mainly- it’s a masterpiece because of the absolutely stylistic tour-de-force from Cuaron—it has become one of the textbook examples of film art in the 21st century– camera movement, long takes
  • it’s not just camera movement—it’s as gorgeous a mise-en-scene as Cuaron has produced (which puts it up there with the masters)- detail in bodies, graffiti, rabble, architecture as character from Welles, Ozu or Rossellini
  • greens, greys and light blues—a defined color palette- Cuaron is back on his color (like he was with his greens in the 90’s) after a bit of break with Y Tu Mama Tambien – the color is mood and it fits- it’s Antonioni Red Desert, Kieslowski color trilogy,
  • “Ruby Tuesday” is used twice for 5 seconds for great affect- once to show emote on Owen’s beaten face remembering his son, and the other with Michael Caine’s goodbye to his wife
  • Dystopian influences—1984, Brazil, Metropolis, Blade Runner, 12 Monkeys, 28 Days Later, Blade Runner– but this is its own thing- strong color
  • Cluttered architecture
  • Danny Huston’ gorgeous “Ark of the Arts”- theological of course but stunning mise-en-scene
  • There are noir elements- this is a reluctant hero
  • The death of Julianne Moore (bit of a L’Avventura/Psycho killing off of the star early element) is an absolute stunner of a oner—Cuaron is showing off with the ping pong ball trick, the entire thing is about 4 minutes, complicated action, cracking glass, flames, stunt-work—it absolutely adds to the intensity of the scene
  • Of course much of it is set in very green forest and woods
  • Operatic music at the barn during the pregnancy reveal—beautiful- and Owen says “Jesus Chris” which will be done again three times
  • The action sequences held without a break are the poster child to defy those who say it’s just style
  • Caine dazzles in his scenes- humor, life, vitality in a bleak world
  • The single greatest wall-art shot (and there are dozens) may but the shot of the swing set through the broken glass—we go back to again with Peter Mullan confronts Clive
  • The scene where she gives birth in a long take would be the best scene in 99.9% of films and it’s probably 6th here- it’s a long take, intense, brilliant
  • the finale is perfection
  • The baby crying causing the cease fire and the long take (the longest of the film) of the POV battle tracking shot on Owen’s shoulder is transcendent- some of the best work of the decade and perhaps the decades best film
  • Masterpiece