Henry's Asylum

Code 46

Brilliant, crisp clear day. The kind I absolutely enjoy. About 10 degrees warmer than yesterday which puts it in the mid 50’s. Just perfect for a brisk walk or allowing for a nice comfortable temperature where I work. I’m looking forward to the weekend since I have a wedding to attend tomorrow. A very nice young lady from Romania (who is not a vampire – see previous post) is getting hitched to a fine young gentleman which will afford her American citizenship. She and her brother are friends of the family and we’re extremely happy for her.
Didn’t do much, last night. But I did get a chance to see a movie that I had not even heard of before. “Code 46” with Tim Robbins (“The Shawshank Redemption”) and Samantha Morton (“Minority Report”). It was a bit slow moving, but I found it haunting and it riveted my attention throughout. A minor science fiction film, there’s really nothing to distinguish it. It actually plays out as more of a romance with the sci-fi elements in the background as opposed to being the drivers of the story. It involves Robbins investigating the theft and subsequent black marketing of “papelles” which is a necessary form of ID (replacing passports, etc.) if one is to travel to any location outside of one’s home city. Robbins has been given an “intuition virus” that allows him to learn just about anything from anybody merely by having them tell him something about themselves. Using this ability, he discovers that Morton is the one committing these crimes. However, rather than turn her in, he falls in love with her and they have an affair. The other main issue in the story is “Code 46” which is a law that is designed to prevent accidental in-breeding in a society that utilizes cloning to a great degree and one cannot be sure who they are related to.
As I mentioned, it’s a slow moving romance story that relies on mood more than anything else. Most people dislike it for this. I happened to be in a meditative state of mind when I saw it, so I can appreciate what the director was trying to do. I originally noticed that it was rated "R", yet 2/3 into the movie and there was nothing to indicate that. Not a hint. Even the clothes were conservative with no "see through" features (even when Morton was wearing a t-shirt at home and seducing Robbins). Then, all of a sudden, voila! A completely unexpected scene of graphic nudity preceding an unusual sexual encounter. Wow - I didn't see that coming! An interesting touch. It was like instant "R" rating in a can. A directorial decision that only further illustrates that this film was more arthouse than mainstream. Don’t see it if you’re looking for instant gratification entertainment. See it if you’re relaxing with your significant other or with your own quiet thoughts.

posted by hbrennan @ 12:31 PM