DigitalKarma911

I recently had an opportunity to see the Chumscrubber at a screening in New York. I was very excited about seeing the film. Being a fan of both American Beauty and Donnie Darko (two films the Chumscrubber was compared to) I had high expectations and was expecting excellent writing and dark Ironic wit. The Chumscrubber seemed to lack both. The writing bothered me to a point where I actually grimaced while watching the film. The characters are just props moving about this cliché picturesque suburbia and completely one-dimensional to boot. The trendy cinematography to me felt hollow and very MTV. While flashy and pretty the Chumscrubber as a film seems to lack a soul.

Dazzling, never before have I seen such a visually pleasing picture. Jeunet has mastered the film medium giving 'A Very Long Engagement' a unique and fairy tale like visual style. Though rushed, the fantasy romance that Jeunet paints through flashbacks is inspiring. The graphic World War I trenches, provide an excellent contrast to the simple but charming mystery that Mathilde embarks on through the film.

Although Jeunet relies heavily on Audrey Tautou's performance, it is ultimately his one of a kind visual style that emotionally ties the viewer. This said, the latter portion of 'Long Engagement' feels very rushed and isn't treated to the same elegance that so well defines the first half. There are moments in the film where the visuals far overshadow the emotional intensity intended for the scene. This is perhaps 'Long Engagements' only fault, as it becomes unbalanced. The stylized and even cartoonish artistic direction that Jeunet leans to, although brilliant seems I'll fit for this wartime drama. Even so, 'A Very Long Engagement' comes off genuine and it's mix of fantasy romance and war will let you leave the theater fulfilled.