Tenet (Blu-ray)

Christopher Nolan's "Tenet," released in 2020, is an enigmatic masterpiece that transcends the boundaries of conventional cinema. With its intricately woven narrative, complex characters, and groundbreaking visual effects, the film represents a high-water mark in the realm of contemporary filmmaking. In this essay, we embark on an in-depth exploration of "Tenet," dissecting its narrative intricacies, thematic depth, and the innovative use of time inversion, all while examining its place within Christopher Nolan's illustrious filmography."Tenet" catapults its audience into a world where time itself becomes a labyrinthine puzzle. The film opens with a heart-pounding opera house heist in Kiev, setting the tone for the mind-bending journey that follows. Nolan's narrative structure, a non-linear tapestry of events, challenges viewers to piece together the story gradually. At the heart of this narrative lies the concept of time inversion—an audacious twist on the laws of physics where objects and people move backward in time.The Protagonist, played by the charismatic John David Washington, remains a cipher throughout the film. His name and personal history are deliberately obscured, leaving us with a character defined primarily by his mission. Recruited into the clandestine organization known as Tenet, he embarks on a mission to thwart a global catastrophe orchestrated by the sinister Andrei Sator, portrayed with chilling brilliance by Kenneth Branagh. Sator, an arms dealer with access to time-inverted technology, emerges as the film's primary antagonist, his motivations and actions veiled in an aura of malevolence.In "Tenet," Nolan's commitment to exploring the repercussions of time inversion is evident. The film meticulously dissects the mechanics of this temporal anomaly, offering rich details about its operation and the potential consequences of meddling with time. This meticulous world-building grounds the science fiction elements in a veneer of authenticity, making the concept of time inversion feel plausible within the film's cinematic universe.The narrative is labyrinthine, akin to a Rubik's Cube where each twist and turn unravels new layers of complexity. Nolan refuses to hold the viewer's hand, preferring to challenge the audience to engage actively with the narrative. While this approach rewards those who invest their intellectual faculties in the film, it may bewilder or alienate those seeking a more straightforward cinematic experience. Nevertheless, for those willing to accept the challenge and immerse themselves in the film's intricate web of time, "Tenet" offers a profoundly satisfying intellectual and cinematic journey.The characters of "Tenet" are complex and driven by their missions rather than traditional character development arcs. The Protagonist, our enigmatic lead, navigates a world of espionage and time manipulation. John David Washington infuses the character with charisma and gravitas, making him a compelling figure despite the mysteries that surround him.Opposite the Protagonist is Neil, portrayed by Robert Pattinson. Neil serves as a crucial ally in the mission against Sator, adding a dash of charm and wit to the film's dynamic. The chemistry between Washington and Pattinson on screen is palpable, creating a central dynamic that propels the narrative.Kenneth Branagh's portrayal of Andrei Sator is a masterclass in villainy. Sator is a character driven by his own obsessions and a deep connection to the time-inversion technology. Branagh infuses Sator with an overwhelming sense of menace, making him a formidable antagonist who looms large throughout the film.Elizabeth Debicki plays Kat, Sator's estranged wife, who becomes entangled in the conflict. Her character serves as a moral compass within the chaos, and Debicki's performance adds a human dimension to the film's intricate narrative.While "Tenet" may not delve as deeply into character development as some of Nolan's earlier works, it's crucial to recognize that the film prioritizes its complex plot and thematic exploration of time over traditional character arcs. In this context, the performances are effective in service of the story, helping to maintain a sense of urgency and intrigue.One of the most striking aspects of "Tenet" is its technical prowess. Christopher Nolan has long been known for his commitment to practical effects and hands-on filmmaking techniques, and "Tenet" is no exception. The film showcases a staggering array of practical stunts and effects, including real-time inversion of objects and actors, intricate fight choreography, and awe-inspiring set pieces.Hoyte van Hoytema's cinematography is nothing short of breathtaking. From the wide-angle shots capturing action-packed sequences to the meticulous framing of intricate details, the film is a visual feast. The use of IMAX cameras adds an extra layer of immersion, making "Tenet" a cinematic experience that demands to be seen on the largest screen available.Ludwig Göransson's score is a perfect companion to the film's intensity. Featuring a pulsating and hypnotic motif, the score underscores the tension and action throughout the narrative. It works in harmony with the visuals to create a sensory overload that is both exhilarating and immersive.The commitment to practical effects and the utilization of real locations over extensive CGI lend "Tenet" a tangible and visceral quality. The sequences involving time inversion are particularly striking, requiring meticulous planning and execution to achieve the desired visual impact. Watching objects and people move backward in time on screen is a mind-bending experience, and the film's technical team deserves immense praise for their achievements."Tenet" intriguingly connects to ancient history through the enigmatic Sator Square, a palindrome dating back to the Roman Empire. This connection adds an additional layer of depth to the film's narrative and hints at the cyclical and timeless nature of its themes.The Sator Square is a two-dimensional word square, often arranged as a 5x5 grid of Latin words. In the film, Andrei Sator's last name is a deliberate reference to this ancient artifact. The Sator Square appears multiple times throughout the movie, serving as a recurring motif and a symbol of Sator's obsession with time and manipulation.The use of the Sator Square in "Tenet" is a testament to Christopher Nolan's penchant for incorporating intricate details and historical references into his films. It ties the film's themes of time, destiny, and human obsession to an ancient symbol, suggesting that the manipulation of time has been a constant thread throughout human history."Tenet" delves into a multitude of philosophical and existential themes, making it a thought-provoking experience for viewers. One of the central themes is the nature of time itself. The film challenges our conventional understanding of time as a linear progression and explores the idea that time may be more fluid and interconnected than we perceive.The concept of free will versus determinism also plays a significant role in the film. Characters grapple with the question of whether they are truly in control of their actions or if their destinies are predetermined. This philosophical quandary is mirrored in the film's intricate plot, where characters navigate a web of events that may already be preordained.Additionally, "Tenet" delves into themes of sacrifice and the greater good. The characters, particularly the Protagonist and Neil, are driven by a sense of duty and the belief that they must make personal sacrifices for the sake of preventing a global catastrophe. The film forces viewers to contemplate the ethical complexities of such decisions."Tenet" stands as a monumental achievement in modern cinema, combining a mind-bending narrative, complex characters, technical brilliance, and philosophical depth. Christopher Nolan's dedication to pushing the boundaries of storytelling is evident throughout the film, from its meticulous world-building to its commitment to practical effects.While "Tenet" may not be the most accessible film for casual viewers due to its intricate plot and non-linear structure, it rewards those who are willing to engage with its complexity. The performances by the cast, especially John David Washington, Robert Pattinson, Kenneth Branagh, and Elizabeth Debicki, add depth to the characters and elevate the storytelling.Moreover, the film's connection to ancient history through the Sator Square adds an intriguing layer of depth and symbolism to the narrative, reinforcing the film's themes of time, destiny, and human obsession.In the end, "Tenet" is a cinematic experience that challenges, provokes thought, and leaves a lasting impression. It invites viewers to explore the boundaries of time and the intricacies of human agency while delivering an exhilarating visual spectacle. Christopher Nolan's "Tenet" is not just a film; it's a thought-provoking and immersive journey through the complexities of time and existence.

Not that I'm smart, mind you. But I was smart enough to know a) much of the technical & scientific concepts here are way over my head but b) I can still follow what the smart people are doing. It's like listening to Carl Sagan; I have no idea how he knows what he knows, but I know what he's saying is based in fact.That said, I thought I was going to dislike this movie, or be bored by it or disappointed in it. I have all of Nolan's movies and none of them is better than this. This is a sleeper. People won't figure out how incredibly good this is for years.It was all about the visuals for me until the one-hour point. Then, suddenly, it turned. I thought, Oh, this is where it's going to start to suck, like so many other viewers have written. But no. For another hour and 25 minutes, I couldn't leave my seat. I rewound it several times to make sure I caught what it looked like had just happened, just to make sure.This is Nolan's mind, unleashed. And because he took years to develop this in his head, there is a little too much here for it to be perfect. But I'm just glad he let me come along for the ride because, by the end, I was gobsmacked.I really believe that if someone says it's not that good or not Nolan's best, they watched it too casually, or maybe they didn't even understand it, even though they thought they understood the concepts. But I'm betting they didn't.Maybe if I wanted to point out some flaws I could talk about the editing, or the length of some scenes. But there were no flaws in script or acting. I was disappointed about one thing, which you might find funny. There's a teaser that's been airing for months, before the movie was mothballed because of the virus. Robert Pattinson is in a room with JD Washington, expressing a little doubt about whether or not something will work or happen. I can't remember his straight line right now, but JD says, "Well, try to keep up," in a facetious tone with a big smile. That's just a 2-second gem, but they took it out of the movie! Or at least the digital version I watched here.I bought the package with the added features, so I'll check to see if it's on DVD. But as I said, it's a small thing.And yes, the sound is muffled. I had to turn my computer and my television up to the highest volume in order to hear at all, & I watch with captions because of a hearing problem in one ear, so even then I didn't catch all the dialog. I'm about to get a Blutooth speaker, so I'll hook that up when it arrives and set it next to my couch so I can listen more closely.Other filmmakers and critics actually have mentioned the sound mix as well and I read an article by one of them, which Nolan also read and commented on. I'm not sure what he'll do about it, but maybe WB will do a re-issue of this film with an enhanced soundtrack.Of course, if I'd been able to see it in a theater, as I had planned to do, maybe the sound would be better. I saw Ford v. Ferrari in the IMAX theater at Seattle Center before the pandemic and that was SO worth it. But what if the sound mix on this movie is just as bad in the theater? I've read a few complaints indicating that.So, you don't need me to tell you the plot or really comment on the actors or the screenplay. It is what others have already said, except this: it isn't a spy thriller. That's a plot line, but it's not THE plot line. It doesn't conform in any way to any spy movie I've seen. The Protagonist exists independent of any agency. He never phones his boss for instructions or receives Top Secret documents or even is confronted by some phalanx of ideological bad guys with a network.He's on a journey and it takes him to dark places. There are bad guys. There is intrigue. But it's more about physics, and how they can be bent to achieve an end result, whether good or evil. Why it happens to JD in particular is not clear at all to me.And it doesn't end. It stops. There is more intrigue looming out there. Not sequel-worthy stuff, but more resembling real life, where nothing is ever neatly tied up in a bow while life goes on.It never resolves and that's just fine with me. I mean, do you remember the ending of Inception? or Memento? Or even Insomnia? Tying bows is not what Nolan in about. There's always something at the end of the tunnel that leads to the Batcave, but it's not what you expect.The important thing to say is that this movie is brilliant, but you might have to watch it a dozen times to appreciate it fully. There are some production mistakes, like this scene where Pattinson is lying down & then they cut to another angle and he's sitting up. There's no excuse for a bad edit like that, and it startled me & made me lose track, so I had to back it up in order to understand what they're talking about.In a movie so engrossing, every little misstep will be noticed and potentially ruin the viewer's concentration. So maybe I shouldn't have given it five stars, but if it mattered, i'd only deduct 1/10th of a star for a boo-boo. And if I'd been the editor, I would have made a few different cuts, but I'm not the editor (I have been a film editor), so I'm leaving it alone. Making a movie, bad or good, is incredibly hard from a pre- and post-production standard. This movie came together as if Nolan himself was describing it to you in person.I suspect it will be in the running for Best Musical Score, and if JD isn't nominated for Best Actor, I don't know what's wrong with the world.Nolan should also get Best Director for this. I often think about how scenes could have been directed better, but managing to tie all these ideas together cohesively and irresistibly would take God himself. I was humbled by the intricacy of the scenes, how he directed them, the choices he made. On many levels this is the best movie I've ever seen, though it won't stand up against East of Eden or Citizen Kane in the long run.It's 1 a.m and I'm writing this on a post-TENET buzz, but I believe I've written an honest review, based on the strengths and weaknesses of the movie. Buy it, rent it, watch it. It's absolutely worth it, incomparable and entertaining.

Discs are clean, case is good, slipcover is good. No complaints other than the expired digital code.