Review of Birth

Birth (2004)
5/10
If You're a Fan of Modern Poetry...
9 May 2005
...then you might find something in this movie. For the rest of us, this is the sort of movie you have to be in the mood for. Nothing particularly interesting happens (except for one scene involving Anna's fiancé and the little boy), and as others have already noted, there are long periods of facial close-ups. While I can appreciate the skill that goes into conveying emotion without the benefit of speech or even movement, I don't find it particularly enthralling to watch, at least not for as long as this movie requires.

A previous comment refers to Nicole's character as being in "deep mourning" over her husband's death. I'm not sure how that conclusion can be reached, as there was nothing presented to establish their relationship. They could have hated each other for all we know, and considering some of the later revelations, a healthy dislike at least seems likely.

And I surely don't understand all of the controversy about the bathroom scene, though perhaps I dozed off and missed some of it.

In short, in spite of the excellent performances (Nicole Kidman is always good), I didn't find this film to be particularly thought-provoking or enjoyable, but more a study in facial expressions.

Bill
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