Will Smith takes on what is without a doubt his biggest film gamble. Instead of saving the world, or Miami, he is trying to positively affect some strangers’ lives. The tale of such would be easier on audiences if it were straightforward. Clouded and cut apart, Smith must have told his agent, “I want to do Memento 2.”
Ben Thomas (Will Smith) is a man ready to test others. He has a scheme that allows him to improve their circumstances. He must first deem them worthy. At the center of these actions is Emily Poza (Rosario Dawson). As Ben spends time with her, she subtextually pulls him into yesteryear. The world becomes full of vintage songs. Her printing presses aren’t the latest and their attire goes back to a simpler time. Ben is engrossed with her, forcing him to make a tough decision if he wants to continue his deeds.
Performances by Smith and Dawson are good. They have quality chemistry. Smith is at one point polite; the next protective as he tries to hide his character’s motives. Dawson deals with a terminal illness convincingly. Supporting roles are few but believable, even though some are underdeveloped. I’m biting my lip trying to adhere to my policy of not spoiling a film, but by the end many of the roles are truly unclear. I personally challenge you to tell me what orders Ben gave Dan (Barry Pepper) and how they could have orchestrated that particular outcome.
My faith in cinematography was wearing thin. Too many films were being thrown out the door with all the artistic merit one would expect from a cookie cutter. Seven Pounds is a breath of fresh air for filmgoers who actually want a life like experience. The colors on screen are natural. The angles, movement, sounds, and cuts are not distracting. It isn’t sensory overload, but remains interestingly crafted. One gripe is with the unneeded twisting of what would have been plenty compelling in linear fashion.
It doesn’t take a scientist to figure out what is going on and that’s kind of a drag. I was hoping for a puzzle film. The title even begs you to find a reference. The troubling thing is that by the halfway point there is no longer a puzzle. It is solved by the audience and we are just waiting for Ben to follow through. By comparison, if you’ve seen the trailer for The Curious Case of Benjamin Button, you’d have seen (my guess) everything.
Some people may find it slow, but I think it could have been better if it were longer. There were many things untouched. To some extent pushing aside the blind Ezra (Woody Harrelson) places focus on Emily. Still, I’d like to at least meet some of the other selected beneficiaries. In closing, Seven Pounds avoids enough predictability to be entertaining while successfully making us care about the characters. Many other technical merits, as well as strong performances, make it a sentimental film with a heart in the right place. ***
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