Review of Arrival 'Arrival' has certainly earned every accolade and you should NOT miss this one if you can manage it. The sound design alone will suck you into the fabric and won't let you go until the credits roll. As my husband says, you will be completely absorbed. The film is seamlessly woven together from two storylines, one linear and the other non-linear centering on the main character, linguistics expert ...Louise. The experience is similar to listening to a symphony expertly conducted in the most perfect acoustical space. The editing sweeps you into Louise's mind and especially into her emotional state at every turn. Throughout the film perfect moments of silence create an intimacy with the uncertainty and fear that surrounds the investigation into the shells. Louise's linear story provides focus, a strange sense of calm in the center of a storm that takes over everything else. Tight, intimate shots of Louise's hands allows you to feel her fear, uncertainty, and stress. The photography will capture your imagination without allowing your feet to leave the ground. Your first view of the Montana shell will impress you with the beauty of the landscape. The DP used a subdued color pallet for Louise and the scientists but brings in the brightness of white for the aliens, but softened like cotton. It is a subtle cue for what the audience will learn later about our visitors. This is probably the best first contact story that I've seen since 'Contact' or 'Close Encounters.' When the credits rolled my husband described a sense of profound connection. I felt like I was finally able to breathe again, as though I was coming back to the surface after being deep underwater. This film is an amazing experience and one you should not miss. I don't recommend 'Arrival' for children under the age of 13 because they will be bored and will distract the rest of the audience. There is nothing inappropriate other than a couple of pieces of dialogue if your children watch the news. Sci-fi fans will see a film that doesn't make the government or other scientist out to be crazy or warmongers. The filmmakers were able to present a very real idea of how visitors to our world might be greeted, investigated, and feared in the present day.

Update: February 15, 2017

Arrival has been nominated for several Oscars including Best Cinematography. Bradford Young brought his deep understanding of exposing dark skin tones to the shadowy world of Arrival.

"I think what we discover in our work—and from being exposed to African filmmakers, to third-world filmmakers—is our hue is a reflection of every color of the rainbow." - Bradford Young

Variety interviewed him about his unique style, the challenges for black cinematographers, and the importance of his Oscar nomination.

Read on: http://variety.com/2017/film/awards/bradford-young-arrival-oscar-han-solo-1201988626/