Everything Is Illuminated is a small, leisurely, gentle film telling an intimate story. But, conversely, it takes in big issues, both personal and as regards events on the world stage of 70 years ago.
Schrieber, as screenwriter and director, clearly understands that less is often more as he tells his story in an understated way. He uses the rich humour of Eugene Hutz' idiosyncratic Ukrainian interpreter Alex and guide as counterpoint to the way the other key stories here - Alex' grandfather, Lista, Jonathan and, of course those who lived and died during the war - come out almost incidentally, and the more powerfully for that.
Wood is, as ever, excellent, but he is more than matched by the non-English speaking cast.
This film is well worth watching.
Schrieber, as screenwriter and director, clearly understands that less is often more as he tells his story in an understated way. He uses the rich humour of Eugene Hutz' idiosyncratic Ukrainian interpreter Alex and guide as counterpoint to the way the other key stories here - Alex' grandfather, Lista, Jonathan and, of course those who lived and died during the war - come out almost incidentally, and the more powerfully for that.
Wood is, as ever, excellent, but he is more than matched by the non-English speaking cast.
This film is well worth watching.