Hereafter

Clint Eastwood has hit his 80s. Wow. I suppose that's why he has tackled the last great frontier of death to explore in his latest with Matt Damon. I revere Mr. Eastwood. I adore Mr. Damon. I will go see any project they are involved with. I was a little reticent, however, to see this film, worrying that I was still too steeped in mourning my mother's death to handle this subject. Yet, what more timely topic to allow my brain to ponder?

Well...I found this film to be quite forgettable. Weaving three sub-plots that tie up nicely in the end, it had Eastwood's eye for setting and camera work. It was well filmed. It just wasn't well-conceived. The most gripping (terrifying for this viewer who has a fear of catastrophic water events!) scene was the first - a recapturing of the Indonesia tsunami, absolutely BRILLIANTLY filmed. Took my breath away.

From there the film rode a wave of dullsville.

There was nothing original in the exploration of life after death. Not a new idea, image, or tone. I felt much more, emotionally and spiritually, from Sixth Sense. One character's near-death experience was treated as if it was virgin territory, filled with controversy and denial. This is 30-40 years too late. Elizabeth Kubler-Ross's research, as well as Robert Moody's in the field have over-documented people's experiences. It just isn't earth-shattering as it was treated here.

I am mystified by this film and hope Mr. Eastwood hasn't lost his directing edge. I did not cry at any time here. I did not leave the film having my thoughts or emotions stretched. After the film, spouse and I just didn't have anything to talk about. Not a good sign.

By the way, we watched Invictus last night - another Eastwood/Damon collaboration. It was slow at first, but ended up better than I expected, and better than Hereafter.