The film “The Hours” (2002) falls into the category of those cinematic works about which one hesitates to write extensively. It stands as a flawless, high-quality, self-contained piece of cinema that demands your attention. Crafting a review for this film risks turning into a cascade of substantial compliments for its excellence.
The life of an author
“The Hours” (2002) unfolds as a poignant exploration of an authoress. The protagonist encapsulates everything typical of most authors, portrayed with finesse. Reflection, persistent questioning, doubt, attentiveness, inquisitiveness, and curiosity are all vividly depicted, gradually unfolding in dialogues, glances, and behavior, brilliantly brought to life by Nicole Kidman. Adding depth to the narrative is the ‘male version’ of the archetypal writer, mirroring the conduct of a woman who lived and worked almost a century before him.
Dual life
In the throes of creative fervor, every genuine writer inhabits their works. The primary characters coexist with you, engaging in conversations, facing mortality, experiencing rebirth, encountering disappointments, and simultaneously shedding tears and sharing laughter. This dual existence is effectively portrayed in the film through the physical imperfections of the characters. However, it is worth noting that even a completely healthy individual cannot assure their exceptional sanity when engaged in constant dialogue with someone confined solely to their mind—a presence that may or may not materialize as a completed work one day.
Exceptional, not like everyone
Writers, like many creative professionals, stand apart from the majority. They are perpetually consumed by concerns about their talent, popularity, the intrigue and depth of their works, and their uniqueness. While some may overlook these preoccupations, the film portrays writers as particularly vulnerable to criticism, incessantly seeking affirmation of their abilities. They are acutely aware of their divergence from the main throng of “ordinary people,” a realization that permeates the film and renders them susceptible to the solitude that defines the writer’s journey.
Script solutions in “The Hours” (2002)
A film that opens with a suicide unavoidably maintains a constant sense of tension. I won’t label it as a spoiler since it occurs almost immediately, right at the start of the film. This choice significantly shapes the audience’s connection to the unfolding events. The persistent anticipation of the worst – death, murder – lingers from the beginning to the end. This paranoid approach is deftly executed through impactful long takes, where the actors pour their talents into portraying despair, longing, love, procrastination, doubts – essentially, the most crucial emotions and clusters of human feelings.
The screenplay, based on the novel, doesn’t just seem successful; it comes close to perfection. All the elements that make a story appealing are skillfully brought to life on screen. I can confidently call this movie a book.
The basis of the film “The Hours” (2002)
Demanding to mood
This is an intricate and challenging piece, a drama with consistent tragic undertones from start to finish. The film’s tension and persistent uncertainty might not appeal to everyone. Both the characters and the audience find themselves grappling with these questions together. If you don’t find immediate answers, they unfold as you watch, demanding contemplation post-viewing. Not everyone appreciates this level of intense curiosity, insistence, and mystery.
I consider myself fortunate. I sought out this kind of film, and I didn’t feel any burden while watching it. I was too engrossed to even contemplate switching it off. I sensed the mood correctly. “The Hours” effectively shaped my day (or, more precisely, night).
Solitude
If I were to encapsulate this movie in one word, it would be “loneliness.”
The entire narrative is threaded with this word—or, to be more precise, all the narratives. Loneliness permeates every scene and emanates from every corner. It’s so palpable that you suddenly sense its proximity. This connection with the characters and the essence of loneliness might be unsettling for some, but I embraced this companionship with ease.
Certainly, one could characterize this as a film about life. However, in truth, nearly every movie delves into life’s intricacies. Here, similar themes unfold across different eras; time progresses, yet people’s struggles persist. They grapple with the same concerns and contemplate the same matters as individuals did a century ago.
“The Hours” is a reflection on life itself – its inexorable linearity and the inherent solitude that accompanies it.
Writer’s existence
On the day I watched it in fall 2022, this is the best film about writers that I’ve ever seen. The portrayal of the authors aligns perfectly with how I’ve always imagined and seen them in my mind’s eye. The cast executed their roles flawlessly, and I cherished every word, movement, action, and glance. It stands out as the most authentic depiction of a writer’s life to date.
There’s no trace of a gritty documentary style here, no recorded phrases; instead, there’s an incredible fusion of the scriptwriter’s artistry and the expertise of the film crew and actors. Everything is executed and realized so beautifully that there’s no room for doubt—you are unequivocally in the presence of a genuine representation of a writer.
Happiness in “The Hours”
As stated in the movie, “death is for contrast.” This persistent sense of the imminent threat to life more accurately delineates the landscape of your happiness than ever before. This sensation becomes particularly pronounced after watching.
“The Hours” (2002) is a work that delves into happiness, life, and loneliness, exploring those ordinary aspects we recognize but often dismiss because they seem overshadowed. Love and genuine relationships emerge as expressive dolphins amid the plot’s vicissitudes, illuminating reality with an honest portrayal of a complete life. In this stark contrast, you feel not only the potency of the film but also the significance of your “now”—the importance of embracing happiness not just as a nostalgic memory of youth but every time you muster the courage to confront the truth and the transient nature of life.
Acting
This is the epitome of skill, a seamless portrayal of life in roles. The little one (Jack Rovello) might have been a bit brief, but I’ll overlook that. Every adult played their part so sincerely and fittingly that I’m inclined to refrain from saying anything more.
Nicole Kidman rightfully earned an Oscar for her performance (Best Actress in a Leading Role) – the only one in her entire career. Julianne Moore and Meryl Streep are actresses who captivate, their performances unmatched and powerful, leaving you yearning to watch them again and again.
Music in the movie “The Hours” (2002)
The assertiveness is a tad bothersome, a bit excessive for my taste. However, I recognize that the musical compositions served as an additional irritant, complementing the plot’s emotional intensity. The music is incessant, playing almost throughout the entire film. It’s somewhat unconventional, which made me feel a bit uneasy. Then again, the whole film is, to put it mildly, uncomfortable.
Conclusions
“The Hours” (2002) is a must-see for writers. This is a must-see movie for anyone who calls themselves an author.
Too depressing for me, but it’s the opposite of good.
Personally, it’s a bit too somber for my taste, but that doesn’t diminish its quality. Surprisingly, it leaves me feeling more optimistic and even more connected to my identity as a writer. The contrast highlighted in the film works exceptionally well.
After watching, reality appears almost like a fairy tale – excessively joyful despite the challenges of modern times.
The only aspect that slightly detracts from this masterpiece is the emphasis on suicide, which, in the context of the entire work, serves as an escape. It is not the way out. Hence, my rating is only a 9.
Nevertheless, the movie earns its place in my collection about writers and secures a spot on list of the best films.
My rating for The Hours (2002) is 9 out of 10
