Flatland the Film
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Movie Reviews of Flatland the Film
Movie Review: Fantastic Twist on an Old Story
Summary: 5 Stars
The Author took the story the book by Abbott and wrote a compelling more modern story. It was a great movie, from what I understand the author made this movie pretty much on his own. You need to expect that this film is completely computer generated, don't expect super Hollywood special effects, but even the animation was top notch. One thing I was a little worried about was voice acting, with this type of film that can tend to be lousy, not the case here, voice acting was also top notch. Nothing but good things to say about the picture.
Being a math teacher, I was really looking forward to getting this movie to show to my History of Math students. It's probably not a good fit considering some of the subject matter is a bit mature for the classroom, but I think the author took Abbott's sexism that is more present in the book and softened the edges. Also, the class system that was so prevalent in the book isn't there as well. To some this might quite a departure from the novel but it's really done quite well, and dare I say maybe even a better story.
There is a bit of social commentary in the undertones of the story, and that is what really gives the film that 5th star. It's not just a movie us math geeks will love, but I think others would like it as well, with maybe a little background information.
Movie Review: Excellent homage to Edwin Abbott Abott's classic!
Summary: 5 Stars
This movie is an excellent homage to Edwin Abbott Abbott's classic masterpiece "Flatland."
When the mathematician Abbott wrote his book Flatland on the eve of the 20th century, he used the mathematical notion of two dimensionality to decry all forms of two dimensional thinking. In that sense, movies or other works building off of Flatland can pursue both these themes or merely one of them at the expense of the other.
While this movie does basic justice to Abbott's underlying mathematics I think it's probably most fair to say that its greater emphasis is on its attack against two dimensional thinking itself.
Please make no mistake: I am a huge fan of Edwin Abbott Abbott, Flatlands and all the books and treatments that have been offered in its tradition. Therefore, I've given positive reviews to Ian Stewart's Flatterland, Dewdney's Plainiverse, Sphereland and even the original book on the Fourth Dimension by Charles Hinton even though some or all of these works have been criticized by other reviewers. Therefore, while I personally have great reason to believe that as both a mathematical concept and metaphor warnings against two dimensional thinking are important others may disagree.
But if they wish to do so I guess they can write a review just like I did.
Movie Review: Superb Movie - Sparks your brain to new levels of thinking..
Summary: 5 Stars
I just watched this movie and felt compelled to write a review. I really enjoyed it. It seems to help almost anyone step outside their current state of thinking. I normally do not like Animated films nor seek them out to watch but this one was different. It is especially successful in its depiction of a 2D world, making the appearance of the 3D world almost magical. The character voices were very well done, and there was a lot of action for a well thought out "brainy" movie. While you might see a little of the "what the heck is this" response at first from friends and older teens that will faded to some very intent staring at the screen and thought provoking discussion afterwards. I highly recommend sharing this movie with friends and older children (my daughter, 17 enjoyed it).
In a world where everything seems so cookie cutter it was great to step out of that box and into this world for a bit. I whole heartedly thank the filmaker and his family and friends that did this entirely on their own for the incredible amount of time they gave to this project to spur my imagination, and which led to a discussion about 2d and 3d worlds with my daughter! I look forward to future projects.
Movie Review: First Impressions -- as Effective a "2001" was over 30 years ago!
Summary: 5 Stars
This is the most unique, brilliant, audacious, and "concept" inspired movie that I've ever seen which most reminds me of the effect Stanley Kubrick's "2001: A Space Odyssey" had on me over 30 years ago (and fortunately I had read Clarke's novel before seeing the movie, which in this case, I haven't yet <g>, but have started it). It was a "mind-boggling" experience reminiscent of movies like "Yellow Submarine," "Fantastic Planet," and "Heavy Metal"--all of which I have seen and still enjoy! Animation wise, the only thing recently comparable to its "irreverence" (and satire) is "Tripping the Rift" Everything about its animation, screenplay, production values, music and voices (and casting) are first rate. I look forward to anything the producer, director, screenplay writer, and musical director do again (hopefully together)! I will recommend it to EVERYONE I know!
P.S. I would suggest that both the DVD label and jacket have a standard COPYRIGHT statement on them! A "Behind the Scenes" or "Making Of" special feature would have been nice <g>, as well as perhaps a Director
Movie Review: Absolutely Superb! A must see for all, a must have for ever
Summary: 5 Stars
The challenge of creating imagery from such a novel that challenges our understanding of the world itself, a world broken down to basics and presented as an allegory at the same time, is simply monstrous. When that is done from an independent filmmaker and produces this sort of result one simply talks about poetry.
I am one of these people whose understanding of the universe and social interactions is limited enough to simply laugh their way out of most of it. And this film offered me plenty of reasoning for things that were always mysteries or jokes or pages of history I could not read. Abbott's novel was just the beginning, and as a text many people would say that they have expected it to be somewhat different or would indeed have made it differently themselves were they the filmmakers. True, but this does not make it a bad film.
I think that every kid in this world should watch it. Just for the sake of understanding some of the principles of math or the social sphere in a visual context.