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
Leave A Comment