Synopsis:

A More linear/chronological version of 21 Grams. This new version allows the viewer to experience the events in the same fashion as the characters, allowing a different take on the same material.

Intentions:

“In this film everything has already happened, and it’s as if God, or the director, is shuffling the deck after the game is over. Here is the question we have to answer: Is this approach better than telling the same story from beginning to end?” – Roger Ebert I have always been a huge fan of Alejandro González Iñárritu’s films (Amores Perros, 21 Grams, Babel, Biutiful etc.) I always liked 21 Grams and never really had a problem with the fractured, non-linear structure of the story. Some reviewers (i.e. Ebert) feel the non-linear structure was unnecessary and even a cheap trick or “stunt” that didn’t add anything to the story. I don’t really agree with this sentiment but I understand it. With that being said, my intention for this fanedit was to make a more linear and chronological version of the film.

Change List:

- replaced “Focus Features” logo with “Gatos Features” logo - replace opening scene - new title cards (in same font style as the theatrical version) - rearranged a LOT of scenes - removed repeated/alternate angle “look Daddy a pigeon!” scene - removed first scene of Jack’s birthday party - removed Paul’s first meeting with the Private Investigator - removed Paul going to Cristina’s house and ringing the door bell - removed Paul watching Cristina swim at the Sports Club - removed Cristina sitting up in bed while Paul is sleeping - removed Jack returning to the motel from work and Paul saying hello to him - removed repeated/alternate angle “You shouldn’t have done it!” scene - removed repeated/alternate angle “Call an ambulance!” scene - removed repeated scene of Paul walking in the desert - removed repeated scene of Cristina in the motel bathroom - removed repeated/alternate angle scene of Paul sitting by the pool - removed repeated scene of Jack walking by the motel rooms - shortened the end credits and removed the Spanish-language “dedication”

Additional Notes:

This edit is not 100% chronological. I replaced the opening scene and kept the “bookends” intact. This edit was really like trying to put together a puzzle and figure out which scenes go where (or rather where I thought they should go). Sound editing led to some interesting results, as the beautiful score done by Gustavo Santaolalla often is spread over two scenes that are on different parts of the “time-line” of the story. *Editor’s note: For those who haven’t watched their theatrical disk of 21 Grams in a while, it should be remembered that the theatrical edit utilizes lots of quick cuts and the film is very grainy at times (and my edit doesn’t “fix” these things).*

Other Sources:

Special Thanks:

Thanks to g1orkatsos for making the cover art, disc art, and a custom “Gatos Features” logo in the style of the “Focus Features” logo. Thanks to LastSurvivor for designing a Main Menu and Scene Selection Menu for the DVD. Thanks to Rogue-theX for helping.