Hearts in Atlantis [DVD] [2002]

Review written 22/01/06 (Age 15)

I hope you enjoy reading this review, as much as I did writing it.

"Hearts in Atlantis" directed by Scott Hicks, starring Anthony Hopkins in based on Stephen King's best selling novel. It tells the story of Bobby Garfield a pre-teen whose life after his father died, has began to fall apart. His self-obsessed mother (Hope Davis), has very little time for him, and is too wrapped up in sexual relationships and alcohol to ever realize that her son is growing-up fast. Instead Bobby turns to Ted Brautigen (Academy Award* winner Anthony Hopkins), who gradually over the course of time forms a deep and meaningful relationship with him. However, Ted brings with him a haunted past in psychic powers, and unwillingly passes them onto him, which at first Alarms and amazes Bobby. Finally, Ted admits that he is on the run from the “lowmen” a group of men who will stop at nothing at getting back under their control. Soon Bobby must find courage and forgiveness that he never imagined. This is without a shadow, my third favorite film of all time.

I personally am Stephen King’s number one fan. I can relate to him and his wonderful language, that I can comprehend. He has an ability to bring a story sincerely to life (as if it were not a piece of fiction in the first place). His characters I like his own children, he writes about them in such a way it encompasses you. You feel as if your soul is in his hands, and he takes great care of it. Breaking it, then rebuilding it on meaningful level). But I’m not here to talk about Stephen King, I’m here to talk about the motion-picture.

“Hearts in Atlantis” works on so many levels it has, drama, romance, (some thriller), (a small portion of horror). The acting levels is something I’m keen on talking about. In this motion-picture there is some truly astonishing acting. Every cast member, including extras! created a seamless piece of work. This movie is beyond [Stand By Me], although I loved the film with all my heart, this film feels more natural and untainted, without an unnecessary comedic element to keep certain audiences engrossed. It plays like a piece of music, in that it flows so majestically. Which now brings me onto the score…

Mychael Danna, the film composer that got an award for “Best Original Score” has now written what is my “Number 1” OST. Let’s just say when listening to this music you go into a sort of lost trance, (even if you’ve viewed the film before or not) it’s as if everything you felt hurt by is just lifted from you and dropped at a great height, to which it vanishes. I have both Soundtracks CD 1 + CD 2. One is the soundtrack (classic 60’s, 70’s and even 50’s music) the other is the actual score composed by Mychael Danna. Which, both if were merged into one album would be brilliant.

This film has one of my favorite quotes of all time. Which is this:

“When were young we believe were in some place magical,
like Atlantis must have been… and when we grow old, our hearts break in two”

This soundtrack I admit is a little off-center, but I have just written it at 03:41am and in 37mins, so I think I did ok.

Personally I think every human being should see this film, it could I believe solve many problems in people lives.

I recommend YOU buy this film + Score if you can get a copy.

Good Luck.

Daniel

P.S If you would wish to talk to me about this movie I would love to hear any of your comments, bad or good. I would love to hear what others think about the movie(s) I’ve seen.

V.1.