Annihilation (2018)

[mikeyis4dcats.]

has some good moments and some really bad. Good cinematography and visuals, some really good sound design. But the story was too choppy and nonsensical at times. I haven't read the book but understand it diverts from it quite a bit.

[underEJ]

Originally Posted by mikeyis4dcats.

has some good moments and some really bad. Good cinematography and visuals, some really good sound design. But the story was too choppy and nonsensical at times. I haven't read the book but understand it diverts from it quite a bit.

It does divert but the spirit is true to the book. It isn't a science fiction book really. It is weird fiction or new weird depending upon whether you think it is a resurgence or a new genre. Weird fiction can have science fiction elements, but the genre also hits on ghosts and other supernatural phenomenon, horror, and also fantasy. I actually think it can be best defined by its attention to strong visual language and extremely creative exploration of familiar themes. I thought the movie was pretty great save for a few places where the expectations of the film medium and a few directorial choices designed to keep the story moving did a bit of disservice to the overall mood which was remarkably well done.

Weird fiction, new weird and bizarro fiction are all genres that have developed owing to or along side a love of film making and strong visual story telling. They should make excellent choices for adaptation to film, and this was a really nice try with which the author is extremely pleased, so they did something right. Finding a balance of strong story telling choices that advance a narrative that makes sense in future adaptations of these experimental genres should address your totally valid choppy and nonsensical notes. There are some pretty great authors in these genres (lots of total crap too so step wisely if you venture into that pasture.)