I, Anna (2012)

Save your money for something good and enjoyable

Good concept, poorly executed.

It’s not bad or unwatchable but despite the amplitude of the spectacle, the end result is underwhelming.

One of the worst ways to make a cult movie is to set out to make a cult movie.

Charlotte Rampling and Gabriel Byrne are always so right and authentic. Throughly enjoyed this movie, and the twist made it even better.

I wish I could, somehow, regain the 93 minutes I wasted in watching this film ... a film I had hoped would "come together." Even some basic explanations would have helped along the way ... e.g., how did she hurt her arm? who "magically" put a cast on it? In terms of production, as noted by another reviewer, I was shocked to see the large fake beach scene (a theater prop) accompanied by the sounds of waves and birds. But ... totally stationary. Any "willing suspension of disbelief" was totally blown away. This level of production was, IMHO, beneath the calibre of some of the major stars. Not asking to be spoon fed along the way ... just a little sense of continuity and credibility. What a disappointment.

There are so many strands that make up the story, and very little to connect them together. But it is well worth watching a second (or more) time just to get the whole picture (!)Charlotte Rampling is so good, so convincing as the middle-aged woman, now separated and living with a daughter and grandchild. But there is a past incident, very important to what else is happening, briefly referred to a couple of times that isn't really explained - perhaps a tragedy involving another child? Every now and then, there is a flashback with Anna now wearing a bright red dress. That's a signal to us to change our focus and concentrate and try to join the scenes together.Gabriel Byrne is the cop who becomes attracted (no surprise there!) to Anna. A very good performance.

I, Anna is an above average film noir atmospherically filmed in London. The usual noir elements are present: the cop with a failed marriage, the female suspect with whom the cop falls in love, nice use of London locations and cinematography to match it. The two leads are expertly played by seasoned actors Gabriel Byrne and Charlotte Rampling. It is a promising debut for Barnaby Southcombe, who has added a new element in his adaptation of the source novel, which has given greater depth to the story and characters.A trivia point: Barnaby Southcombe is the real life son of Charlotte Rampling!