Chris here. We had expected to see The Circle among the Sundance lineup, but it looks like it will be director James Ponsoldt's first film away from the festival. No matter, because the film still will be one of the more intriguing of the coming spring. From David Eggers's novel, The Circle stars Emma Watson as a young professional given the chance to work for an all-consuming social media entity (think Facebook on steroids) that may be more sinister than meets the eye. The novel was a bit on the nose in its critique, but its anxieties grow all the more realized in our online hive mindset.
Let's take a look at the first trailer and break down the Yes No Maybe So after the jump...
YES
- There's a strong balance of inviting and creepy that makes The Circle a believable social movement. That will go a long way to cover the novel's leaps in believability.
- Yes please, John Boyega as the mystery man. What a relief to see a film where the sexual tension is just between two white people.
- Tom Hanks playing sinister is something we've oddly been denied. This role actually turns his Dad-ness on its head in ways that should be fascinating.
- Late spring is a great time for timely sci-fi - and this vibe recalls Ex Machina's vibe. Potential sleeper hit?
NO
- The lead character is such a cypher on the page, and I can't imagine it playing into Watson's more interesting qualities. I'm skeptical that Ponsoldt's gift with actors will show up here when she's already this flat.
- Ok guys, we've got to find new ways to protray people on their phones in the movies.
- Tom Hanks in a beard is never acceptable. Someone call Rita.
- How do you even approach satirized social technology when it changes so fast? Art like this always feels instantly dated.
MAYBE SO
- James Ponsoldt is taking more of a genre leap here, but if he can bring as much humanity to this as his previous films, it could pay off.
- Director of Photography Matthew Libatique is a master of creating tension in the frame. His work is always worth the look.
So far I'm leaning Maybe So - but what are your thoughts?