Flatland: The Film (2007)

I've been looking forward to this movie for quite some time. A movie about the basics of multiple dimensions targeted at a somewhat broader audience could be quite intriguing, even more since the general public at least has heard about something named string theory.Ignoring some basic inconsistencies within the displayed universe(s), of which most can be seen as elements of style or expression, the focus is lost between a pseudo plot and some 'funny' takes on differently-dimensioned lifestyles. While probably most people interested in the movie in the first place will get a few laughs or at least smiles out of it, nobody familiar with the generic topic will be challenged in any way, nor will anyone watching it for more than fifteen minutes.In addition to the not to well written and acted to plot, the three dimensional visuals are somewhat pathetic. First day animation students are capable of producing more pleasant work, since most stuff looks like somebody wanted to prove one can make a movie using povray.So, even while the possibly intended final 'point' of the whole thing is lost within the final minutes, and in contrast to everything else not really directly present and repeated about half a dozen times, I'm surprisingly disappointed. I got _much_ more out of a few minutes long, even more simply animated introductory film about 'imagining the 10th dimension'.The interested viewer having children, or those who will be teaching a class about the subject, especially for younger ages, this film will quite do the trick. Just keep in mind to show/watch it before learning/teaching anything about anything, or simply don't expect to much. Everybody else, well, the two and one dimensional stuff combined with the silent narrator implementation is entertaining.. for about forty minutes (when the third dimension enters). Oh, and somebody please write an accompanying game, the 2d graphics and world is _perfect_ for an actionscript something.

I had not read the book that this was based on. There was even a sense that this would be a waste of time. I realized I was very wrong. As others have mentioned in their comments: this is no Hollywood canon fodder intended for the spoon-fed masses.Some interest in mathematics or science is not essential but more than likely contributes to ones viewing of the film.I found the story very thoughtful and entertaining at the same time. The film is well executed and easy to watch. (Two dimensional characters do not have facial Tiks - just my thoughts)

This is what independent work is all about. The animation is beautiful, yet not like any animation you've seen. This is no slick rip-off of successful style with smarmy pop-culture references; no Disney/Pixar wannabes here. The director has a vision of his own and makes it happen. It's a very, very good adaptation of the Abbott novel, witty, with good voice-work and very good music. There are some mind-blowing sequences towards the end, but the most impressive quality is the originality of the vision. If this is the director's first feature, there are big things in store for him. Don't lose that vision! A film like this gives me hope.

I have to say, I love this film. I bought is as soon as the special release was available and my DVD is numbered #11! The detailed animation in this film is very impressive. The intricate inner workings of the Flatlanders blew me away. I mean with a bunch of characters on the screen you could see all of their eyes blink, hearts beat, etc. I was simply amazed at the level of detail. I never read the book but the story is really great. It really makes you wonder what's beyond our 3D world. My kids loved this film also. They keep asking if they can watch it again. It's really cool to see the different things the kids pick up on, and how they interpret the film. The film is deep on many levels. The music was spot on and fit each scene just right. I would highly recommend this film to anyone! I'd love to see this in the theater. FLATLAND THE FILM RULES!!!