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Atomised [2006]
![Atomised [2006]](http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/513KpKhefYL._SL160_.jpg)
RRP: £19.99
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Editorial
Synopsis
Half brothers Michael (Christian Ulmen) and Bruno (Moritz Bleibtreu) might share the same biological mother, but they could not be more different in their natures. Michael, an introverted scientist, is so wrapped up in his research that he shies away from intimacy, while Bruno is a slave to his darkest sexual fantasies. When Michael's childhood sweetheart Annabelle (Franka Potente) walks back into his life, and Bruno hooks up with the kinky Christiane (Martina Gedeck), things seem to be looking up for the two brothers. But unlike the laws of science, there are no certainties in matters of the heart… Based on Michel Houellebecq's controversial bestselling novel ATOMISED, award-winning director Oskar Roehler's stark, striking film raises questions of biological evolution, love and fate.
Not a patch on the book
Review date: 2008-04-25 Rating: 4 out of 10
This movie is interesting for those fascinated by Houellebecq's written masterpiece. However, it all too quickly skipped over the key part at the end of the novel. Micheal is relegated to the minor part here, with Bruno having the lead role. Hence, the sex angle is overplayed (as you'd expect). Something of a missed opportunity here.
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Reviews
Death of love?
Review date: 2008-03-08 Rating: 8 out of 10
A good attempt to bring a difficult book onto the screen. It doesn't give rise to comfortable viewing, although I expect most people will have read `atomised' before coming to the film and therefore will know what to expect. Houellebecq excellence is in showing us how we really are, rather than glossing over the ugliness. He has given us a mirror to look at ourselves.
Modern society, with all its material progress has failed to provide stable relationships that most long for and the hope of 60's utopian ideals, have fallen by the wayside. The film doesn't have the scope or time to move beyond the central message of `atomised' and isn't as effective a medium at presenting the characters inner complexities. However there is still enough, to make it thoughtful and provocative.
It probably does too good a job, in representing the book. Where the book lacked tight structure and lyrical style, similarly the film lacks the images that would make it great. And like the novel it sometime falls into adolescent pretentiousness. Ultimately it overcomes these flaws as a film of ideas and a rare examination of a modern society which most people will sadly ignore in favour of escapism and entertainment.
Fairly random and uninteresting
Review date: 2008-02-10 Rating: 4 out of 10
I found this film rather dull, with a rambling plot that didn't seem to go anywhere. This was a shame as there are some great actors in it - Moritz Bleibtreu and Franka Potente from Run, Lola, Run, Martina Gedeck from The Lives of Others, and a cameo from the excellent Uwe Ochsenknecht. I guess you need to be into the book (or at least to have read it) in order to make any real sense of the film.
Towards the end, the storyline involving Martina Gedeck was the most touching part of the film, but as another reviewer mentioned it's very difficult to feel any empathy with or interest in the largely unappealing characters.
tragic yet hopeful
Review date: 2008-02-03 Rating: 8 out of 10
This film is really worth seeing-all actors give brilliant performances, especially, in my opinion, Martina Gedeck (das Leben der Anderen). These are characters you can really sympathise with-the film sets up the histories of the two brothers really well, giving viewers a deeper insight into why they make the choices they make. Heartbreaking in some places, yet always hopeful about the future, this is a beautiful film. Well worth watching.
A surprise pleasure
Review date: 2008-01-31 Rating: 8 out of 10
Slightly contrived in places, so not earning 5 stars, this is none the less a very enjoyable movie: darkly humorous and very well acted by a great ensemble cast. If you enjoy "Adaptation" or a Coen brothers' comedy you should find this rewarding viewing.
Product Details/Specifications
Actor(s):
Martina Gedeck
Franka Potente
Moritz Bleibtreu
Creators:
Franka Potente (Primary Contributor)
Moritz Bleibtreu (Primary Contributor)
Director(s):
Recording label: Momentum Pictures Home Ent
Manufacturer: Momentum Pictures Home Ent
EAN: 5060116720952
Binding: DVD
Number of items: 1
Format: PAL,
Release date: 2006-10-23
Aspect ratio: 1.78:1
Audience rating: Suitable for 15 years and over
Region code: 2
Running time: 108 minutes
Theatrical release date: 2006
Language: English (Subtitled)
Language: German (Original Language)