Review of 21 Grams

I loved "Memento." The nonlinear storytelling was key to the story itself and as a result complimented the overall nature of the film; however, "21 Grams" features the same style of nonlinear narrative without having an actual point. This movie could just have easily been told in chronological order and it would have had the same effect. In fact, if one were to unravel it and place the scenes in order, I'm sure they'd find nothing to be surprised at: it's a fairly basic drama and the nonlinear elements, I think, are just a way of making it seem cleverer and more important than it actually is.

The performances, on the other hand, are superb. Sean Penn is excellent and Naomi Watts delivers her best yet. Benicio Del Toro is quite good as well (even if his character seemed a bit reminiscent of some earlier ones he'd played) and I felt sympathy for all three, especially Del Toro, as we realize everything that happened was a result of his trying to be wholesome and "clean." And it backfired enormously.

Overall "21 Grams" was a rather large disappointment when I saw it as I had heard so much hype about it. I didn't find the storytelling awe-inspiring or important, it just made the film seem showy and artificial, as if they were afraid it wouldn't be able to stand on its own as a motion picture without some type of gimmick.

Recommended, but don't expect too much.