Director: Christopher Nolan
Starring: Cillian Murphy, Matt Damon, Robert Downey Jr, et al
Impressive but a bit too full of its own importance
That said, unfortunately there's more to complain about. Apparently Christopher Nolan gets final cut on his films, which probably explains why this is about an hour too long. Sure, it's an important subject but Nolan - who wrote, directed and produced and so must also take responsibility for any issues - includes too much detail and loses his way a few times as a result. The contrast with Barbie was of course much remarked upon at the time, and for me the notable difference is not just in tone but the fact that both films are making serious points but only one wants to beat you into submission with them (which was also the one that won all the awards - I'll let you draw your own conclusions about that).
Minor gripes: I thought Cillian Murphy was a bit one-note, I could have done without Kenneth Branagh popping up yet again (as before, he's too recognisable and unbalances his scenes), and Tom Conti was apparently reprising his cod-Greek accent from Shirley Valentine. And did Florence Pugh really need to be naked for most of her scenes? It was completely out of place (and don't tell me someone as capable as Christopher Nolan couldn't have achieved exactly the same effect without it, particularly given an actor of her calibre).
But still, an admirable achievement and I'm pleased I finally watched it - even though I'm unlikely to bother again.
