Knowing

One of the first questions posed soon after the opening sequence of this science-fiction thriller is "Is the universe deterministic or random?" Unusual start to a thriller, instantly making the viewer think whether everything happens by chance, or whether we could know in advance when the Earth will end. Knowing stars Nicholas Cage as John Koestler, a professor of astro-physics, who when asked by one of his students what he thinks about this question, solemnly replies "sh*t happens". Coming from a man who has just lost his wife, and is raising his young son Caleb, his answer would seem very understandable, and somewhat sad. The plot begins to unfold as Caleb's school celebrate their 50th anniversary, and as part of the ceremony, uncover a time-capsule buried by the school's first students with their predictions of the future sealed inside. 50-year old envelopes enclose the futuristic visions of the then young students, most of these being drawing of rocket ships. As envelope after envelope is handed out to the present students, Caleb's envelope doesnt exactly contain a drawing, but a sheet with rows upon rows of numbers. In the film's prologue, which by then we discover is set 50 years ago, we see a little girl with haunted eyes, pressing the numbers onto this paper.

‘Drinking down sorrows' evening

Even if you havent seen the trailers to this film, you are instantly attracted to these numbers, asking yourself what do they mean? So was Caleb, as instead of handing the envelope back to the school as he was supposed to, he kept it in his school bag, for reasons yet unknown to us. Koestler stumbles across these numbers during a ‘drinking down sorrows' evening, and, almost by accident, discovers a pattern in these numbers, shaking his scientific mind to its core. Unveiling the meaning of these numbers in this article would definitely spoil the aim of this film, therefore you are advised to watch it. Also, if you're interested, research the names of the characters, as these inspire associations to the holders of different theories relating to the concept of the film and to subliminal meanings.

Director Alex Proyas has excelled in the manner in which he strings together events.He manages to maintain a high-pitch tension throughout the film. His special effects are sensational, and in a particular scene, stunning, as you realise it's been filmed in a single shot. This is the kind of impact Proyas is looking for in a viewer, the sense of reality and the shock and horror that follows. The acting in general is good, particularly from the 2 child actors, who were extremely great at projecting deep solemnity. Nicholas Cage, on the other hand, seems to wear the same facial expression on most of his films, although this role didn't exactly require him to be jolly. The musical arrangement was somewhat overpowering at times, to the point where it overshadows the scene in question. It does well to build-up the tension though.

The classic ending?