Reviews I've heard and read are being very guarded about what happens, and very rightly so. I'll follow in their wise footsteps.
I knew that Jennifer Lawrence and Javier Bardem (a writer experiencing a 'block') play a couple in a stable relationship living in an isolated large rural house (filmed in Canada) when they have an unexpected visitor (Ed Harris) who, it's slowly revealed, has an admiration for him. He's then invited by Bardem to stay a while, much to Lawrence's reservations in allowing hospitality so readily to a total stranger. The next day and equally unexpectedly, the man's wife (Michelle Pfeiffer) turns up, and is soon pushing her opinions onto Lawrence regarding the house, which she's in the process of decorating, but more disturbingly, enquiring about the couple's childlessness. She's soon talking as though she owns the place and has no compunctions about delving into the couple's personal lives. Jennifer Lawrence is completely confused about their visitors, especially the woman's unwelcome forwardness, and keeps imploring Javier Bardem to get them to leave - but for a reason she can't quite account for, he's not keen to do so. To say that things then get 'out of control' would be a bit of an understatement, so I'll reveal no more.
I was thinking that the film might turn into a four-persons chamber drama, whilst being aware that there were certain horror elements attached. Let's just say that it develops into something rather more than that!
I thought the several suspenseful sequences were exceptionally well achieved. (Down in a darkened basement with torch, alone - again!) It's a long time since I've seen a film where so many times I hardly dared keep looking at the screen, such was the extremely tense, nail-biting effect.
There have been vastly diverse opinions on the film - about equally divided between enthusiastic cheers and thumbs-down boos, the latter accompanied by some considerable laughter, which I can understand. It walks a very delicate line between serious, straight-faced horror and vastly O.T.T. effects thrown on screen, some near-comedic. Views have been expressed that it falls down badly on the side of 'tosh', which I don't really share. Echoes of the film 'Rosemary's Baby' come over loud and clear - as also Ken Russell's 'Tommy', perhaps not quite as marked.
Jennifer Lawrence carries the film with her inner conflicts and suspicions and does remarkably well in a difficult role which demands some scenes of sustained hysteria. Javier Bardem I couldn't always make out what he was saying, though I think he performed adequately in a more enigmatic part.
Director Darren Aronofsky has already made a name for himself, principally through 'Black Swan' but also 'The Wrestler', 'Requiem for a Dream' and 'Pi'. This film will further reinforce his name as being one deserving to be noticed - not always in a positive sense with this latest, it's true - but he is one it's getting impossible to ignore.
I find it impossible to dismiss this film as codswallop, as some have done, so it's clear which side of the fence I'll come down on, even though I'm unable to satisfactorily explain what on earth it's all about........................7.
I went to see QUEERRAMA the documentary tonight...I walked out
ReplyDeleteDidn't know anything about this one, J.G. Even though, looking it up, I've seen lots like it, it probably would be on my list to see. I'd be very surprised indeed if it told me anything I didn't already know. Still may go if it turns up. So far it hasn't even made it to Brighton, of all places!
DeleteRay,
ReplyDeleteHalfway through this film I was ready to walk out, which is something I rarely do with a film. But the more I watched the more I was drawn in, trying to figure out what this film was about. It wasn't until the film was over and Pat and I were walking out of the theater Pat explained to me that the film was an allegory, of which I won't mention here because I don't want to be a spoiler for those who have read your review and haven't yet seen this film. But the one thing I can say is that this film is one that will cause you to think long after you have left the movie theater. This wasn't any predictable "It" like CGI effects and hack story line. Oh wait, it is a story like. The storyline of man on earth and what we have wrought. You could have best described this film in the two words you began your review "Holy cow!" Indeed.
Ron
An allegory, Ron? That's one thought which had NOT occurred to me either during or afterwards. I'll have to ponder on it.
DeleteOne feature of the film I did like was its daring nerve not only to replicate the havoc of the first half but to outdo it - hugely. I sure wasn't expecting that.
You're right in it being one of those films the memory of which will haunt one for long after, and trying to solve the riddle of asking exactly what it was about. I suspect (and fear?) that not even the director knows the answer, but just wanted to dangle the answer-less question over us. If so then he's succeeded, maybe more than he realises.
No doubt that for me this has been the most intriguing film of the year - but only so far. ;-)
This film sure has hit a nerve. People either hate it or (Ron etc.) love it.
ReplyDeleteIt's easily one of 2017's 'defining' films, Dr Spo, which I think is a must-see for all cineastes. Whether they'll all be wanting to sit right through it is another matter but I feel they ought to at least give it a try.
DeleteI agree with Ray, at least give it a try. Expand your horizons.
Deletewow a 7? High praise
ReplyDeleteNot by any means a film for all, Sol, but if you're in the mood for a gamble with no guarantee that you're going to like it, then dare a throw.
DeleteAbsolutely worth it. A film that won't easily be forgotten. Makes you think. Understandably for some that notion makes them uncomfortable.
DeleteAbsolutely right, Ron. One of those infrequent films that gnaws at your mind and won't let go. I may well pay to see it again on the big screen.
DeleteRay,
DeleteThis film continues to "gnaw" at my mind. I admit that this film is hard to watch, really hard but there is an important message that this film send. A message I didn't realize was there until I walked out of the theater. I may have to "endure" another watch when this film comes out on DVD. One thing, all good actors, excellent!
Ron