Briony is the first character we see therefore automatically believing she is the key protagonist, she is introduced as an inspired writer at the age of 13.
Cecilia is then introduced as the older sister of Briony and they seem to have a close relationship. However, Cecilia acts a bit stroppy and in a teenager mood. A strong but elegant individual that doesn't want to show her feelings for Robbie yet it is quite obvious she likes him.
Robbie is the gardener and a family friend but is dressed down compared to the family as he is more of a labour worker to them. His relationship is complicated with Cecilia as they have a past that we do not know about yet.
What is suggested about social class and about family?
From the start Social class is a key theme in this movie and is clearly visible; fluent British accents, workers in the house, Victorian style clothing and their huge high-ceiling house suggest they are upper class people. The carefully intricate details shown in each room of the house appear to be very expensive.
The family seem to have quite a close relationship as they are all happy and taking part in Brionys play and they all seem very well educated.
Their elegant and beautiful clothing help them as posh girls to stand out from the workers who are in downgraded clothes portraying the contrast between the two classes.
What assumptions can you make about the film from the opening few minutes?
A possible assumption that could be made is that the movie would be about the novel the little girl wrote and there may be some sort of conflict between Robbie and Cecilia or even love as they act as if there is sexual tension between the two of them. Briony doesn't like what she mistakenly sees out of her window and possibly she may do something to stop them being in love or she is the one who will be in atonement.
Do you think the period aspect of this adaption helped the box office in any way? Explain your ideas
I think that it didn't as there were many films out at the same time who focused on the war period as there theme and in my opinion I think this movie would appeal most likely to a older ranged audience.
How key would you say these two characters are to the marketing campaign?
Kiera Knightley and James McAvoy are key to the films success as they are both very world famous actors and are best known for their romantic genre movies. Having such big actors would attract an audience as possibly a younger audience. Also as they are are both from the UK, the film would do great here aswell as other internationally as they would be interested in the lives of people in the UK especially in the war period.
What do you think is the target audience for similar period dramas?
I think the target audience is more middle aged people, 18-40. They would understand and maybe feel engaged in the atmosphere of the olden times. However, the younger generation may be interested in how people used to live around the time of the war and like the romance that undergoes in the movie.
Investigate the meanings of the title: what different definitions of this word can you find?
- Satisfaction, reparation, or expiation given for an injury or wrong
- The reconciliation of man with God through the life, sufferings, and sacrificial death of Christ.
- Compensation for a wrong
- The act of atoning
