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52 of 57 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
Don't get too comfortable in your own space!, March 7, 2007
Literally. Flatland by Edwin Abbott Abbott was a little gem of a book which could not be pigeon-holed into a specific genre over a hundred and fifty years ago and as a result ended up on Science Fiction shelves. Combining Geometry and Philosophy (and even Religion), it was an allegory on the human condition, describing a very rigidly-structured Society where square pegs aspired to fit through round holes.
The plot focuses on A. Square, who is led to a series of epiphanies on the Nature of Reality itself to the realization that not only is there an existence beyond his two-dimensional plane in the form of a 3-dimensional universe, but that further dimensions are implied. He learns that appearances are not necessarily all they seem.
Difficult to conceptualize in its reading, Llad Ehlinger, Jr. has managed to graphically express this evolution of the mind. Despite these worlds being populated exclusively by geometric shapes, we are drawn into the story and feel A. Square's transformation as though it were our own, which it hopes to be. Flatland itself is appropiately extremely two-dimensional, yet has endearing qualities. From our hero's perspective, he is at first confused, then exhilarated as he is lifted into the three-dimensional world. We are taken along for the dizzying ride. This is only the beginning for A. Square, who then postulates other worlds with both less and more dimensions. Ehlinger has a sequence which can only be an homage to 2001: A Space Odyssey as multi-dimensionality is explored.
As if this were not a big enough task to tackle, Ehlinger expands the storyline by applying some of the original concepts of Governments to their logical path to War. Flatland, both the book and the movie, can be appreciated at many levels. By adding an extra layer, Ehlinger has actually simplified the book.
I enjoyed this movie. It is mind-bending and thought-provoking, with a graphic element integral to its message. A potentially too-heavy treatise is lightened by very humorous details, such as the warbled battle cries of female lines in Flatland, who need to both sway and make noise at all times in order to be seen when not approached from their sides, so as not to pierce unobservant polygons! There is more than meets the eye to this unusual independently filmed and marketed movie. One viewing may not be enough.
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21 of 24 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Fantastic Twist on an Old Story, April 27, 2007
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.
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32 of 39 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Don't B-Squared, May 6, 2007
It has been years since I read Abbott's book, but, being a math teacher, I always bring it up in class. A friend just finished reading the book and gave me her copy since mine was loaned years ago and not returned. So when I bought this DVD, I expected to see the Abbott story, but was I surprised. This is not the same story as in the Abbott book. There is a great story line here and the viewer still gets educated on geometry and dimension. The animation is excellent and I even enjoyed the sound on my surround system. Of course, the story makes more sense if you have read the book. Women have a little more respect and are considered thin rectangles, rather than lines. But you still have to watch yourself around them! Very enjoyable movie!
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