Tenet (2020) - LOUD NOISES!!

Christopher Nolan has built a reputation as one of the biggest names in Hollywood, but with Covid-19 throwing a spanner in the works, a question mark was hung over the release of his latest work. But finally after numerous push backs, Tenet has hit the big screens, and is doing well with it's box office results. But is it another win for Nolan?

For the most part I would say yes. Tenet is hard hitting with the way it's sci-fi elements are integrated into this mostly realistic spy thriller. It's easy to see the complicated matrix of a plot that usually comes with Nolan's original stories, but provided you give the film the attention it deserves, you're rewarded with some astounding visuals and action sequences. The idea of inversion can appear complicated, but it is a simple idea of technology existing to invert a person or object. As a result, sequences take on newer meaning as the film goes on. It can be hard to keep up the film if you require a toilet break, so I would highly recommend keeping drink intakes to a minimum at any screenings.

As stated before, the audience are rewarding with stellar sequences, the biggest being the opening siege, the plane sequence and the final battle sequence. The visuals in these sequences are equally eye popping, giving us sights that you've never seen before. And the joy of knowing that a large portion of these visuals and action scenes were shot practically with little to no computer wizardry is a joy for those who enjoy practical stunts and effects. A big abundant of praise must be given to editor, Jennifer Lame for what must have been without a doubt, her toughest job to date. Taking this wild concept, and making it work is worth many brownie points in my book.

The biggest issue with this film sadly comes from it's production values, primarily it's bass heavy sound mix. From the very first gun shot to the final note of music, the sound mix is deafening even in the biggest screens, if not more so. This can be a great method to help the audience feel immersed in the action scenes, but less so when you've got a dialogue scene being drowned out by sound effects and Ludwig Göransson's bass heavy music score. The music itself isn't even enjoyable to listen to on it's own like some of Nolan's scores, thanks again to the overabundance of bass. It's an assault on your ears. Having rewatched the film on home media, the sound mix is less assaulting on your ears, but you do still need to have your TV audio settings to "clear voice" in order to have the best chance of hearing the dialogue. Subtitles would also be recommended at least for your first viewing on home media.

Another big plus without a doubt are the performances by the principle cast. John David Washington and Robert Pattinson have really convincing comradery, and bounce off one another really well. Would've been nice to have some lighter moments between them to balance out the serious, heavy drama, but for what it was, their performances were really good. It helped with Washington doing a large portion of his own stunts. Craftsmanship at it's finest. Kenneth Branagh was terrifyingly intimidating as Sator, keeping both the audience and his forever tortured wife (Elizabeth Debicki) on edge. Debicki was very damaged and closed off, which often kept me enthralled with her performance. And seeing her open up as the story went on was a real treat.

So while this won't be topping my ranking of Nolan films anytime soon, Tenet is still a treat to see on the big screen. If you can give the story the attention it needs, and stomach the bass heavy sound mix, you'll be treated to two and a half hours of spectacular visuals and non-stop action. Is it a game changer when it comes to the spy genre?... Well it's got the ground work for it, but whether audiences will be hungry for more spy films like this is yet to be seen. I personally would leave this film to stand alone and keep it's uniqueness. Plus if all spy films had bass heavy sound mixes like this one, then I'm not sure the genre wouldn't last. Maybe turn the volume down next time, Nolan!

SCORES

Story - 4/5

Characters - 4/5

Production - 3.5/5

Performances - 5/5

Music - 3/5

Total - 7.8/10