REVIEW: Adoration
Posted September 5, 2008 12:00 pm.
This article is more than 5 years old.
Note: As many of the films screened at TIFF08 haven’t yet opened in theatres, only capsule reviews are permitted for most titles.
Director Atom Egoyan’s latest is an ambitious film that doesn’t quite succeed, despite some genuinely affecting moments and an original concept. The story revolves around a high school student’s unorthodox take on a French translation assignment. Simon’s (Devon Bostick) decision to insert himself in the story being translated – about a terrorist who plots to blow up a plane by hiding explosives in his pregnant spouse’s luggage – and then pass it off as truth, with his teacher’s blessing, causes a firestorm of controversy in the community.
Technology plays a big role in Adoration, as several scenes depict a series of heated debates on Internet chat rooms. Egoyan’s film shifts partway through from a broad discussion on terrorism and prejudice to a far more intimate portrait of a family torn apart by tragedy, and that’s where the film’s most emotional and intimate moments occur.
Scott Speedman is coming into his own as an actor, turning in a strong performance as the teen’s world-weary uncle, and Arsinee Khanjian is compelling as the teacher, who takes a personal interest in Simon’s work. Despite an intriguing premise Adoration tackles too many themes, serving to lessen the overall impact of the film.
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