This is a movie review of Knowing, starring Nicolas Cage, by Steve Adams.
Knowing Stars:
Nicolas Cage… John Koestler
Chandler Canterbury… Caleb Koestler
Rose Byrne… Diana Wayland
Lara Robinson… Abby Wayland / Lucinda Embry
D.G. Maloney… The Stranger
Nadia Townsend… Grace Koestler
Adrienne Pickering… Allison Koestler
Produced and Directed by:
Alex Proyas
Written by:
Ryne Douglas Pearson
121 min. 2009 Rated PG-13
Knowing is a science fiction epic in that really delivers on multiple levels. The story is a clever unraveling mystery that transforms into a fast paced realistic nightmare. The film centers on a global apocalyptic vision and feature some of the most realistic scenes of destruction I’ve ever seen.
Lara Robinson in Knowing
Knowing begins in 1959 at an East Coast Elementary school where Lucinda Embry’s idea for a time capsule is chosen as the schools opening day event. Lucinda is a somewhat shy and disturbed girl who instead of drawing a picture writes down a series of cryptic numbers. After the time capsule is buried she’s found scrawling the remaining numbers into a closet door with her bloody fingers.
Chandler Canterbury as Caleb in Knowing
50 years later, John Koestler an astrophysics professor is having a hard time dealing with the loss of his wife. Ever since Allison’s death his calculated world has unraveled into a random state of depression. Their only child Caleb is a gifted “Star Child” sensitive who needs a hearing aid to help make sense of all the static he sometimes hears. During the 50 year unveiling of the time capsule at Caleb’s school, he begins to hear whispers that guide him to the letter from the disturbed Lucinda. He also notices a mysterious stranger watching in the distance.
Nicolas Cage as John Koestler in Knowing
Caleb brings the letter home, telling his father that it could be a puzzle. John dismisses the letter at first then notices that some of the numbers relate to major global disasters and casualty statistics from the last 50 years. After spending the night deciphering the letter he figures out that there will be a global event in the next 24 hours where 81 people will die.
The next afternoon after oversleeping he rushes out to pickup Caleb from school. On his way he gets struck in traffic. Using his GPS unit he dials up his current coordinates. He’s goes into shock when he realizes the numbers he couldn’t figure out in the letter could be the locations. This is proven correct when he witnesses the event unfold right before his eyes.
As John begins to frantically figure out the remaining numbers, he meets Lucinda’s daughter. They join together as the 50 year old prophecy letter begins to change both their lives. Meanwhile men in black are stalking their children. As time begins to run out, it becomes clear that John has to embrace his faith and let the numbers guide him to salvation.
“To the future and the promise it holds.” Knowing is a chilling film that unlike some doomsday movies contains a strong family dynamic and clever story. I was very impressed with the cast especially young Chandler Canterbury. Also Lara Robinson as both Abby Wayland and the disturbed Lucinda Embry pulled off a great performance and I loved the symbolism. The musical score is a well crafted version of Beethoven’s Symphony No 7 in a Major, Op. 92, a classic theme that’s augmented perfectly by Marco Beltrami. This is an adult themed film with seriously graphic scenes of destruction. MPAA’s PG-13 rating is way off yet again. Knowing is a film that clearly should have received an R rating for its scenes of destruction and worldwide events.
A scary view into the future and a powerful film. 2009′s most underrated science fiction epic. I give Knowing a perfect 10 rating.
