Movie Review: Seven Pounds

Will Smith in an Emotional Drama about Love, Loss and Consequences.

Mar 6, 2009 Victoria Jamieson

Will Smith stars in a film about the life changing consequences our actions can have on others. A mysteriously meandering plot and good acting make for a promising film.

Storyline

This film is quite mysterious throughout, and the plot gives away very little information. This leaves the audience struggling to build a feel for what is going on, or even what the motivation is of the lead character. What is known by the audience is that Ben Thomas, played by Will Smith, is an IRS agent, though he hasn't always been. Supporting characters are regularly introduced and enough information is given to furnish them with a background, and allow the audience to make an opinion of their character. The relationship between Ben, the story, and the other characters however is not explained, this creates a feeling of disjointedness in the film. What is made clear is that not all is as it should be. The story settles into a more even rhythm when Ben meets Emily, played by Rosario Dawson. At first the pair meets under the capacity of Ben's IRS role, but the audience is aware that Ben's actions are by no means orthodox, and possibly not entirely confined to the realms of tax auditing. The relationship between the two develops, and inevitable romance blossoms.

What to Expect from Seven Pounds

The audience spends a good proportion of the film trying to piece together Ben's past only to be knocked back at each potential break through. The beginning of the film cuts rapidly between scenes, often in a jarring manner, leaving viewers feeling unsettled. This is seemingly intentionally, by the director, to marry with the uncomfortable nature of the overall story. The films conclusion is dramatic, and revelations are not played out until the dying moments of the film. The surprises though were not as breathtaking as perhaps film makers intended them to be, by the time the film gets around to filling in the details interest and engagement have given way to frustration and confusion. More worryingly a dramatic ending like the one in this film coupled with the revelations being made should be inspirational and invoke an emotional response, this film fails to do so.

Positives and Negatives of This Film

Seven Pounds does have a number of strong points which make it a watchable film. The cinematography is well suited to the action, making it is easy for the audience members to be drawn into the world they are seeing. The score is beautifully written and used thoughtfully throughout the film. The music engages the viewers, lifting and lowering the mood in keeping with what is happening. The actors are well cast, and the quality of acting is high. Will Smiths gives a dramatic and touching performance throughout, and the supporting cast is believable. Although the idea of the overall story is heartfelt and touching, the way it is told does not work as well as it could. The audience is unable to connect with Ben's character because there is never enough information given about him to really get a feel of what he is about, whether he is to be liked or disliked, trusted or not. As a result the conclusion of the film lacks real impact and leaves a feeling of disappointment rather than surprise and drama.

This film is worth seeing for the parts that it does well, and if you are a fan of Mr. Smith. Do not, however expect the big finish to be what you want it to be, but accept what it is.

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Ben and Emily Talk