PREMONITION (2007)
Actress Sandra Bullock has made a career for herself out of playing likeable roles in mostly light romantic comedies such as HOPE FLOATS and MISS CONGENIALITY. In PREMONITION her newest film, however, she takes on a more serious dramatic role where she gets to stretch her acting muscles.
PREMONITION, directed by Mennan Yapo, is a movie with a strange premise. It doesn't proceed as most narratives do (ie. in a linear way from point A to point B). Instead we begin somewhere in the middle and are afforded glimpses into both future and past events.
At the start of the film Bullock, a housewife, learns that her husband has been killed in a fatal car accident. From here on in things get very odd because upon waking the next day she is shocked to find that her hubby is alive and well. Yet another day passes and a pattern begins to emerge. One day her husband (played by Julian McMahon of TV's Nip/Tuck) is dead and the next he's very much alive.
For viewers used to the same ole, same ole in terms of narrative the film is promising because we never know what to expect. Like Bullock's character we are left to wonder just what the hell is going on. Is she crazy? Is it all a dream? Could she be the victim of some kind of elaborate prank?
The puzzling storyline aside, perhaps one of the most interesting aspects of PREMONITION is the way it addresses the concept of the idealized American family. Behind the facade of the white picket fence and the mini van are things as perfect as they seem?
Early on in the film we get a clear sense that the couple's marriage is on shaky ground. Both appear emotionally distant and McMahon seems to be more involved with his work than in spending time with his wife and kids. At one point in PREMONITION Bullock's character tells a friend that she and her mate have become more like roommates than partners or lovers.
In the initial scenes of PREMONITION we get a glimpse into Bullock's humdrum life as a housewife and mother of two small girls. Her world seems mundane and joyless. She spends her time doing typical chores such as driving her kids to school, jogging, buying groceries, cleaning the house, and doing laundry. Most of the time she seems to be operating on auto pilot.
Later on in the film the issue of the reality behind the American dream family is more blatantly addressed. In a scene in which Bullock and her husband have a heated arguement outside during a rainstorm McMahon's character expresses puzzlement as to why his wife is so unhappy and unfulfilled. He points out that they're married, have two kids, a house. and a mortgage. "What more do you want?"
Even in the year 2007 many women are indoctrinated from an early age that an ideal life can only be achieved as a wife and mother. The notion of marriage and kids is idealized so that many young women believe that they can only live up to their potential by snagging a groom, having 2.5 kids, and living in a nice house in suburbia. The sad reality is that without love and an independent sense of fulfilment and self worth conventional roles are disappointing and empty.
PREMONITION isn't a social commentary film. Instead it's a physiological drama about Bullock's character and her ability to see into the future. Unfortunately toward the end of the movie the plausibility factor takes a heavy toll. Issues such as religion, faith, and hope are brought up by a helpful local priest. This aspect of the film feels cheesy and unnecessary.
Although the premise of PREMONITION is promising the plot breaks down and what could've been a really interesting conclusion instead leaves viewers unsatisfied and pining for what might've been.
At its core PREMONITION attempts to explore notions of fate and destiny. It asks questions about how much control we, as individuals, actually have over our lives.
Bullock delievers a strong performance in the film and despite its flaws the plot keeps viewers guessing up until the very end. PREMONITION isn't a great film but it raises important questions and has a unique story structure. All in all it's an interesting effort.
C.L. Illsley
Commenting is closed for this article.
