Well,
Atonement certainly does have the "Oscar-bait" feel to it, which I suppose turns some people off nowadays.
But it is still a fantastic film. The first 45 minutes or so are absolutely flawless and engrossing in every way. Then, I think it lags a little in the middle. But it returns to perfect form by the end.
I haven't read the book yet, but from what I know about it, it sounds absolutely impossible to adapt, yet the film turned out wonderful.
Everything is top notch. Acting, writing, directing, design, score. But, again, it does have that "Oscar-bait" feel. And then there's that five-and-a-half minutes no-cut Steadicam shot that has been so discussed. For some reason, that shot has turned many away from the film, as they feel it was just showing off. I didn't get that at all though. It is a gorgeous shot.
The Oscar nods I'm really hoping it gets are for Best Score, Best Adapted Screenplay, Best Supporting Actress for Saoirse Ronan, Best Art Direction, Best Costumes and Best Editing.
And I wouldn't mind it getting nods for Best Actor for James McAvoy, Best Director and Best Picture, though, with the slate of potential nominees, I can see why they might be overlooked more easily than the nods I just mentioned.
"One no longer loves one's insight enough once one communicates it."
The opposite of creation isn't war, it's stagnation.