Enigma
"It's a brilliant film!" -Roger Ebert
Enigma is an exciting tale of love, espionage, patriotism and betrayal set during World War II from acclaimed director Michael Apted (Enough), Oscar-winning screenwriter Tom Stoppard (Best Writing, Screenplay written directly for the screen: Shakespeare In Love, 1998) and produced by rock star Mick Jagger and Saturday Night Live creator Lorne Michaels.
Still reeling from the devastating disappearance of his lover Claire, (Saffron Burrows-Time Code), brilliant code-breaker Tom Jericho, (Dougray Scott-Mission Impossible II) is summoned to Britain's top=secret intelligence campus. There, he faces his toughest assignment-cracking the Nazis' infamous ENIGMA code.
With teh help of Claire's roommate Hester, (Oscar nominee Kate Winslet-Best Actress in a Leading Role: Titanic, 1997; Best Actress In a Supporting Role: Sense and Sensibility, 1995 and Iris, 2001), and with a ruthless secret agent, (Jeremy Northam-Gosford Park), in hot pursuit, the two must piece together the puzzle that links Claire's disappearance to U-boats closing in on Allied cargo ships and a mass grave in Poland.
Member Reviews
Mediocre - Willibrord
I must admit I had pretty modest expectations for this film - most critics had said it wasn't as good as the book. Which, sadly, it kind of betrayed. It was also mind-numbingly slow at times; not such a great quality in a thriller! Jeremy Northam is, as always, a pleasure to watch in his role as a sly intelligence agent.If you loved the book, prepare for a different story. - Tommer
Although the characters and basic plot outline remain the same, there are some disappointing divergences from the excellent thriller by Robert Harris. The ending has been completely altered, and left me with a queasy feeling unrelated to the thrill of the story. There's some nice period atmosphere here, but only just. There are a lot of wonderfully quirky characters that could have been brought to life with a little more screen-time, but instead the usually reliable Stoppard was obviously pressured to provide the obligatory (but unlikely) romantic side-story involving Kate Winslet.
Jeremy Northam is entertaining, and really about the only good acting in the whole film. But probably not enough of an excuse to rent this one.Some books are not meant to become movies. The same issue plagues Enigma - moviemonger
Enigma is not bad. I learned some history, and the acting was solid. But there’s little fun and daring do to be found. Michael Apted’s direction lacks urgency and importance, which is odd for a movie involving a World War. Except for flashbacks involving Claire and Tom’s brief affair, Apted provides little that is visually exciting. The production values are first-rate, especially the wardrobe, but in a military mystery/thriller that’s the last thing that should catch anyone’s attention. Do you remember the suits Will Patton wore in No Way Out? The only actor who really enlivens the proceedings is Northam, who steals about every scene he’s in. Of course, he’s one of the few actors not talking about short wave frequencies. And therein lies the movie’s main flaw -- it’s too steeped in the technical side.
Member Reviews
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Mediocre - Willibrord
I must admit I had pretty modest expectations for this film - most critics had said it wasn't as good as the book. Which, sadly, it kind of betrayed. It was also mind-numbingly slow at times; not such a great quality in a thriller! Jeremy Northam is, as always, ...If you loved the book, prepare for a different story. - Tommer
Although the characters and basic plot outline remain the same, there are some disappointing divergences from the excellent thriller by Robert Harris. The ending has been completely altered, and left me with a queasy feeling unrelated to the thrill of the ...Some books are not meant to become movies. The same issue plagues Enigma - moviemonger
Enigma is not bad. I learned some history, and the acting was solid. But there’s little fun and daring do to be found. Michael Apted’s direction lacks urgency and importance, which is odd for a movie involving a World War. Except for flashbacks involving Claire ...