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	Code 46
	Michael Winterbottom Tim Robbins, Samantha Morton, Om Puri, Jeanne Balibar, Essie Davis, Nabil Elouahabi, David Fahm, Shelley King, Natalie Mendoza, Kerry Shale, Benedict Wong 2003		With "Code 46," provocative director Michael Winterbottom tries his hand at dystopian futurism. It doesn't jell as it should, even though the gifted Tim Robbins and Samantha Morton are the stars, and Winterbottom was in top form on his two previous films, the docu-comedy "24 Hour Party People" and the politically charged road picture "In This World." "Code 46" is a thoughtful piece tinted by traces of "1984," "Brave New World" and "Blade Runner," but it's so efficient in depicting a tightly controlled, genetically-guided society that anything sinister seems sterilized, muting narrative tension. It's a tale of doomed romance in a totalitarian environment where comings and goings are tightly restricted. The population is split between accredited citizens in urban environments and outcasts dwelling in the wild. William (Robbins), a government investigator, is in Shanghai to uncover the source of counterfeit travel permits that allow citizens to illegally venture outside their assigned living areas. The party behind the bogus permits is Maria (Morton) who works as a drone for the corporation ruling humanity. While probing Maria's activities, William falls in love with her, even though he's married and he knows she's breaking the law. She responds to him, heedless of potential tragedy. In theory, passion drives William and Maria; minimal chemistry between Robbins and Morton hinders "Code 46."


	Sunday, November 17, 2024





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