One of the handful of 'landmark' films in my life - the films that changed my viewing of cinema forever. This was my first "official" favourite movie of all-time when I started reviewing movies 5 years ago, and it has stood up exceptionally well, compared to the other films that were on the list. Five years and about 15 viewings later, I still enjoy it almost as much as I did the first time I saw it in theatres during it's opening weekend in 2002. Minority Report not only represents one of my favourites from my all-time favourite director, but is one of my favourites from my favourite genre as well, in sci-fi.
In futuristic Washington, D.C., a system is established that can accurately predict when criminals are going to commit murder or violent crimes. This system, known as "Pre-Crime", was set up by the respectable Lamar Burgess (Max von Sydow) and uses the abilities of a set of 3 special individuals known as "Pre-Cogs". These individuals, through visions or dreams, can see into the future and give a prediction of when a violent crime will occur, usually accurate to the second.
However, John Anderton (Tom Cruise), the head of "Pre-Crime", is envisioned to have committed the future murder of a man he has never met before, and before he can be apprehended, he sets out headstrong to solve the mystery of this murder before it inevitably happens. As precious time ticks away, and consistencies with the "pre-cog" visions become more and more prevalent, Anderton realises that the only way he will be able to solve the mystery, is to get the "minority report" from the female pre-cog Agatha (Samantha Morton).
The "minority report" is a vision that only one of the pre-cogs can see. In the system, all 3 pre-cogs see the same vision the vast majority of the time, however, on occasion, the female Agatha, who has been found to be the most talented of the 3, sees something different than the other 2, but this is usually disregarded in order to preserve the credibility of the system.
This is one of the most fascinating science fiction movies I've ever seen. The story plays out like a wonder and, with the aid of some very impressive special effects and set design, provides a thoroughly realistic view of D.C. in 2054 AD. The opening sequence is absolutely one of my favourite openings, and the twist that occurs about 3/4 into the film, is eerily revealed.
This is one of my favourite performances from Tom Cruise. He gets all the emotions that John experiences, from the hurt of losing a child, to the anxiety of trying to solve the mystery. We believe in him, and root for him. Colin Farrell is also good as an FBI agent appointed to investigate the pre-crime system. Max von Sydow is superb in a supporting role, and has a few key scenes that really highlight his ability. Samantha Morton gives the performance of the film however, as Agatha, and uses quirky body movements and lost, blank stares to create a believable image of a pre-cog.
I consider this to be one of, if not the best directorial effort by the legendary Spielberg. And while this is only the first of three Spielberg films on this list, it remains one of the greatest movies I've ever seen. The cinematography and editing are excellent, and the sound and visual effects are top notch. This film is the crowning gem of 2002, and one of the best examples of this millenium's finest achievements in film.
© 2007 Kim Bartlett
In futuristic Washington, D.C., a system is established that can accurately predict when criminals are going to commit murder or violent crimes. This system, known as "Pre-Crime", was set up by the respectable Lamar Burgess (Max von Sydow) and uses the abilities of a set of 3 special individuals known as "Pre-Cogs". These individuals, through visions or dreams, can see into the future and give a prediction of when a violent crime will occur, usually accurate to the second.
However, John Anderton (Tom Cruise), the head of "Pre-Crime", is envisioned to have committed the future murder of a man he has never met before, and before he can be apprehended, he sets out headstrong to solve the mystery of this murder before it inevitably happens. As precious time ticks away, and consistencies with the "pre-cog" visions become more and more prevalent, Anderton realises that the only way he will be able to solve the mystery, is to get the "minority report" from the female pre-cog Agatha (Samantha Morton).
The "minority report" is a vision that only one of the pre-cogs can see. In the system, all 3 pre-cogs see the same vision the vast majority of the time, however, on occasion, the female Agatha, who has been found to be the most talented of the 3, sees something different than the other 2, but this is usually disregarded in order to preserve the credibility of the system.
This is one of the most fascinating science fiction movies I've ever seen. The story plays out like a wonder and, with the aid of some very impressive special effects and set design, provides a thoroughly realistic view of D.C. in 2054 AD. The opening sequence is absolutely one of my favourite openings, and the twist that occurs about 3/4 into the film, is eerily revealed.
This is one of my favourite performances from Tom Cruise. He gets all the emotions that John experiences, from the hurt of losing a child, to the anxiety of trying to solve the mystery. We believe in him, and root for him. Colin Farrell is also good as an FBI agent appointed to investigate the pre-crime system. Max von Sydow is superb in a supporting role, and has a few key scenes that really highlight his ability. Samantha Morton gives the performance of the film however, as Agatha, and uses quirky body movements and lost, blank stares to create a believable image of a pre-cog.
I consider this to be one of, if not the best directorial effort by the legendary Spielberg. And while this is only the first of three Spielberg films on this list, it remains one of the greatest movies I've ever seen. The cinematography and editing are excellent, and the sound and visual effects are top notch. This film is the crowning gem of 2002, and one of the best examples of this millenium's finest achievements in film.
© 2007 Kim Bartlett
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