• It’s a strong melodrama- which is a genre- not a criticism (news to some critics)
  • The plotting has issues and the name of the damn movie is tough to get past—but it’s beautifully photographed and well acted, even if it comes a as a disappointment because it’s from a talent like Cianfrance
  • Fassbender is very good here. It’s largely an internal performance. He has that post-War WW1 stare.
  • Classical storytelling with lush photography—not as strong but reminds me of Minghella’s work
  • Strong score from Desplat
  • The actual narrative set up is from the shining– he’s asked to be caretaker of a remote place and the guy who did the job previously killed himself
  • DP is — Adam Arkapaw—did true detective
  • Like many critics I wish more of the film was silent (or the whole thing), strong visual overtones, establishing shots, pottery-barn-like well-done interiors—underrated magic hour work
  • Certainly plotting issues—Fassbender leaves hints for Weisz character which seems really un-formally sound and uncharacteristic (but good for the movie viewers). And then she, driven by the memory of a kind husband, tells Vikander that she’ll give the kid back if Vikander testifies against her husband. = soapy
  • Lots of letters and voice over back and form
  • The acting is strong- all three leads
  • Disappointment for Cianfrance but still about the 40th best film of 2016 and in the archives
  • Recommend