I'll be the first to say that this movie is worth seeing for its visuals alone. The dreamy black and white cinematography is gorgeous and evocative.
But as other commentors have noted, as good as the opening third is and as haunting as the closing 10 minutes of the movie are, something seems to missing in the middle of the film. Even though the "Mistress" is impressive and striking, in the version I saw,the movie just seems to grind to a halt and tread water and doesn't quite resolve the problems it set for itself. Part of it might be the deliberately mannered acting, part of it might be my alienation from the culture portrayed in the catacombs (since when is Atlantis a tuareg hideaway??), and part of it might be because I am reminded way too much of H. Rider Haggard's "She" (although this may not be the fault of the movie, just of my own viewing history and preconceptions.)
But I'm glad I saw it once.If you are a fan of "lost civilization" themes in films, and get a chance to see it, give it a view and see what you think.
But as other commentors have noted, as good as the opening third is and as haunting as the closing 10 minutes of the movie are, something seems to missing in the middle of the film. Even though the "Mistress" is impressive and striking, in the version I saw,the movie just seems to grind to a halt and tread water and doesn't quite resolve the problems it set for itself. Part of it might be the deliberately mannered acting, part of it might be my alienation from the culture portrayed in the catacombs (since when is Atlantis a tuareg hideaway??), and part of it might be because I am reminded way too much of H. Rider Haggard's "She" (although this may not be the fault of the movie, just of my own viewing history and preconceptions.)
But I'm glad I saw it once.If you are a fan of "lost civilization" themes in films, and get a chance to see it, give it a view and see what you think.