Saturday 13 June 2020

Alternate Best Actor 2014: Dan Stevens in The Guest

Dan Stevens did not receive an Oscar nomination for portraying David Collins in The Guest.

The Guest is a largely effective thriller, though it falls apart in the third act, about a veteran who visits a family claiming to be a friend of their deceased son.

Dan Stevens is an actor I have already praised considerably for his work on the television series Legion. This film came though before as Stevens made his attempted jump towards film from Downton Abbey, a series I can perhaps guess about but have no actual knowledge of. Anyways though this seems like perhaps a jump for him either way, in this attempt at a leading role here as this American veteran, as opposed to I'm going to assume an English chap in some estate setting, perhaps a well to do sort? I don't know. Anyway though Stevens shirks any notions of any kind in just an obvious screen presence from his first scene where he arrives to the home of the Peterson family claiming to have known their son who died in the army. Stevens here with a convincing accent, but more than anything a convincing manner, although this manner is something he'll be subverting soon enough. Stevens though is wonderful in creating this pattern of the seemingly ideal "son who has come home for the parents". This in his respectful and quiet demeanor. His words spoken with soft comforting sort of authority. This with eyes filled with a care and concern for those he is interacting with, which naturally quickly ingratiates himself with the Peterson father (Leland Orser) and mother. Stevens speaking every "yes mam" or "yes sir" with the sort of consistency that is both believable and "too good" to believe in equal measure.

Stevens performance though slowly reveals itself in two ways, one in an understanding of what it is that David is doing, even if the film itself is a bit shaky on that ground, and the other in offering an immensely captivating lead in Dan Stevens. This is as we see him with their son (Brendan Meyer) who is being bullied at school. Stevens shifts gears again in a way as though he is on another operating field. Stevens is downright brilliant in these scenes of helping the son as he portrays this sort of precision of a true assassin though in a unique way. Stevens owns these scenes in what is best described in a true star making fashion. This as he just dominants them with just a glint of the eye, and just his whole manner controls his space with such ease. Stevens though going further though in there is that charming warmth of sorts towards the son that he depicts with a manner as though he is really trying to teach the son best he can. This with an earnestness within it even if the level of intensity Stevens brings suggests something is off that charm carries the moment in creating the sense of how he wins the teenager over. Stevens findings this fantastic connection in sort of the support of a big brother as he teaches a lesson, like assaulting local bullies, with both the grace of a loving family member in every word, and a killer's edge as he goes about it in a way that is at such an extreme.

We see similar with the Peterson's daughter (Maika Monroe) where David conducts himself in sort of this method of the seducer. Again Stevens portrays this by making it a switch in gears, this to the point that when he has sex with the daughter's friend, he is initially distant until almost commanded to perform then suddenly he brings the requisite animalistic lust. Stevens creating in this a peculiar dynamic as he is convincing in each phase, while being purposefully artificial in the switches between each one, much like a soldier who has to set his mind a certain way for each and every mission. This is even as we begin to see the darkness of the character. This when he kills a local gun dealer and one of the daughter's friends, Stevens does so with the same detached ease and portrays it in a chilling fashion as both something he just intends to do and intends to do with as much lethal efficiency as possible. Stevens making this manner both captivating and properly menacing as a most unusual "perfect man" who will be whatever his "family" seems to need him to be. Of course as the film progressed into its lesser third act, it reminded me a lot of The Stepfather, which is not a comparison you want made...unless I guess if you're the lead of the film. While this film even in its third act is a better made film than that one it has a similar failing where it drops its intriguing ideas to hit slasher movie tropes in its bloody climax. This isn't even in terms of explanation, where there was apparently some in the original cut of the film, but rather exploration of the idea of the relationship between the killer and the people. We drop any ideas of "careful what you wish for" and individual connections with the family, even the sense of why David is there is left vague, and the "in the script" explanation is not really any less vague. The real problem with this is it leaves Stevens just to become a standard killer. Now he does that well mind you, and brings as much style as he can to it, even tries to connect the relationship idea just a bit, like his proud expression when he sees one of the family members has tricked him. Unfortunately the film doesn't really do anything with what the first two acts setup instead opting for general mayhem until a particularly dumb final moment. Having said that Stevens is captivating to that final frame and this is a terrific performance. I only wish the film had developed as interesting of a character as the one he seemed to be playing.

97 comments:

Luke Higham said...

YESSSS!

Ratings and thoughts on the rest of the cast.

Can't wait for Gulpilil next.

Tahmeed Chowdhury said...

As someone who also has never seen Downton Abbey or Legion, I had no idea what to expect from this performance. That being said, this is a true star turn which made the whole film work as a whole.

Also, Kapoor being the last review gives me a bad feeling about his rating, but in any case, it'll be an interesting review to read at least.

Luke Higham said...

Tahmeed: I wouldn't be too concerned, Stevens did have more 3rd place votes in the prediction.

Aidan Pittman said...

Louis: What are your Top 10 favorite detective performances, as in performances as detectives?

Tahmeed Chowdhury said...

Louis: Your thoughts on the bar scene, and the scene in the principal's office.

Mitchell Murray said...

Haven't seen this performance, but it sounds like an effective one to say the least.

Mitchell Murray said...

I also forgot the mention earlier that I revisited "Pulp Fiction" today. Upon a second viewing, I would say its my favourite of Tarantino's, as well as a great film (minus the director's performance).

Luke Higham said...

Louis: Who would you compare Dan Stevens most to. I personally see him as a potential successor to Ralph Fiennes.

Luke Higham said...

This may be quite late but did anyone see the Will Ferrell/Rachel McAdams Eurovision trailers.

Michael McCarthy said...

The final moment was one of my favorite moments of the film actually, although that’s probably because I thought it was pretty bad overall. Those last 10 seconds or so for me were the film finally embracing its own ridiculousness.

I do agree with the rating, and I do see why Stevens took the role. His character in Downton Abbey verged on saintly, and once the public associates an actor with that character type I imagine it becomes difficult to find really interesting roles.

Louis Morgan said...

Luke:

Meyer, Monroe, Orser, Kelley - 3, 2.5, 2.5, 2.5(I think all suffer from that third act doing what it does. Meyer though I think makes the best impression in just being goofy but genuinely admiring towards David that slowly builds towards his own aggression. Monroe I think is fine here for the most part, but has a few awkward moments in there. Orser is onto something sadly the film barely lets him explore this sad-sack dad. Kelley is pushed to the side immediately after the opening and I don't think she really delivers in her final scene in terms of portraying the switch, sense of betrayal or shock)

Reddick - 3(A proper boss as per usual.)

As has been mentioned before, Fiennes indeed. Right now Stevens's film career has been uneven, seems he does best in leading roles.

Tahmeed:

The bar scene is a highlight of the film as basically Stevens is this conductor of the scene through his performance, from the lesson to the buildup, to then the climax of the beat-down. All brilliantly done by Stevens anchoring it so well.

The same goes for the principal's office, again a scene that basically rests on Stevens is a good one, as again he just own the scene it in that way that few actors often do or can. Stevens just perfectly dominants this time without the physical menace, just through the command of his way with words.

Aidan:

1. James Stewart - Vertigo
2. Morgan Freeman - Seven
3. Jodie Foster - The Silence of the Lambs
4. Ryan Gosling - Blade Runner 2049
5. Russell Crowe - L.A. Confidential
6. Guy Pearce - L.A. Confidential
7. Harvey Keitel - Bad Lieutenant
8. Frances McDormand - Fargo
9. Nicolas Cage - Bad Lieutenant Port of Call New Orleans
10. Elliott Gould - The Long Goodbye

Mitchell Murray said...

Luke: Ehh...doesn't look like my cup of tea. I rarely find myself enjoying Farrell's comedy, and McAdams hasn't really shown a lot of confidence with accents. Honestly, the two performers in the film I'm more interested in are Stevens and Graham Norton (Love his talkshow!)

Tim said...

well, there goes my second prediction. I am startin t think i will never guess correctly

Luke Higham said...

Louis: Your thoughts on The Personal History Of David Copperfield and the cast with ratings.

Bryan L. said...

Louis: Gary Oldman and Bill Nighy were each considered for the role of John du Pont before Steve Carrell was cast. How do you think they each would’ve fared in that part?

Also, your past film roles for Dan Stevens, Channing Tatum and Jesse Eisenberg?

Mitchell Murray said...

Bryan: Oldman I could see, though that would've been less surprising given his chameleonic nature. Less so with Nighy, as I feel his screen presence is so distinctive that it would be hard to see past that.

My personal pick for du Pont would've been Ben Mendelsohn - hands down! He could effectively play not only his creepiness, but also the duplicity of du Pont's public facade.

Calvin Law said...

Fantastic performance.

Louis Morgan said...

Luke:

Thoroughly enjoyed "David Copperfield" where I found Iannucci found a wonderful balance in terms of modernizing and personalizing Dickens, while still retaining its spirit and never feeling like it betrayed the source material...looking at you Steven Knight's Christmas Carol. This in finding its own path in the narrative, making its own riff and language in a certain sense, that creates it own fashion on the story, while still being the story. Just a delight for me.

Saving Patel, Laurie and Whishaw.

Swinton - 4.5
Capaldi - 3.5
Barnard - 3.5
Clark - 3.5
Wong - 3
Christie - 3
Whitehouse - 3
Cooper - 3
Eleazar - 3.5

Bryan:

Stevens:

Spider Cleg
Professor Henry Higgins
Henry "Dutch" Holland

Eisenberg:

Paul Roeder (The Seventh Cross)
David Sumner
Michael Gold

Tatum:

Tom Jeffers aka Captain McGlue
Orin Scivello
Joe Buck

Louis Morgan said...

Bryan:

Both would've been far better choices. Oldman I think just would've been perfect, as there is no reason for there to be a "surprise" with Du Pont, as he's one of the protagonists not the antagonist, at least in terms of traditional terms. In that the film's approach is to grant a degree of sympathy for Du Pont, not for his actions but rather his circumstances. Carell on the other-hand played the part in many ways as a "villain", which isn't the type of film Foxcatcher is trying to be. I think Oldman or Mendelsohn would've gotten that. Nighy could've as well, just isn't an actor who has been tested enough, though he typically delivers when given the chance so maybe.

Calvin Law said...

Yes!!! Thoughts on the cast Louis?

Calvin Law said...

And I’m guessing you loved the costume and especially set design.

Luke Higham said...

Louis: I'm so pleased you really liked it. And I'm glad your saving Whishaw as it helps Laurie more than anything.

John Smith said...

Great review Louis. Need to become more active with my comments instead of lurking everyday. Really looking forward to your review of Kapoor not only because his performance is great but alos because of the rest of the cast. I hope there is a posibility to save Irfaan och Kay kay menon since i do believe they give great suporting performances. Really looking forward to your thougts on Tabu since she is my suporting actress pick for that year (Something i think Tahmeed also wrote)

Also a question Louis, what would you say are your top 10 favorite requested non-english performances that you have reviewed so far? And would you say that you prefer reviewing these kinds of performances?

No offense meant but when you review performance like Hawke or Eisenberg
I feel it is a bit lackluster since they do not seem able to rise above the
movies they are in which are quite medioce, unlike Dan Stevens in this performance who i feel rises above and inhabits the charachter in a way that makes it hard for the viewer imagining anyone else playing that role.

John Smith said...

Luke: Have you seen Whishaw in a 'A Very English Scandal'? It is propably my favorite performance from him and i believe Grant gives a career best performance? I highly recommend the show.

Luke Higham said...

John: I have, It's Grant's best work and I love Whishaw's very much but I think my favourite work of his is still Richard II.

Bryan L. said...

Luke: Thoughts on Whishaw in A Very English Scandal.

Tim said...

thoughts on Hans Zimmer's "Tennessee"?

Luke Higham said...

An incredibly sympathetic piece of work from him. He along with Grant are amazing together and he's incredible in his depiction of a sorrowed life whether it's his inability to gain employment or the distress caused by his attempted assassination.
I need to re-watch it again to give more since I've not seen it since first broadcasted.

John Smith said...

Luke: Need to check out Richard II.

Luke Higham said...

Also, I've always considered Whishaw his generation's Tom Courtenay but his work also reminded me of John Hurt in some of his earlier performances.

Aidan Pittman said...

Watched The Godfather: Part II for the first time last night. I don't think it's quite as great as the first one, but very great it still is. I suppose I'll get around to Part III in the near future, but... I've heard some things.

Pacino - 5
De Niro - 5
Keaton - 4
Cazale - 5
Duvall - 4
Strasberg - 4.5
Gazzo - 4.5
Shire - 3.5/4

Louis Morgan said...

Calvin:

Swinton - (I mean as expected she is going to nail the kookiness of the opening scene with a sort of sweet type of derangement though that differs a bit from Swinton's typical extremes. Swinton brings throughout though that is rather wonderful as she captures the sort of endearing eccentricity needed for the part but with a warmth within that is usually not the case with her performances. This in sort twisting that energy of hers towards a more sympathetic/empathetic note that is beautifully done actually.)

Capaldi - (Although his role really isn't reduced much, but Micawber is far less emphasized here than is usually the case in adaptations of Copperfield. Capaldi's performance also is rather different in being on this note of almost immediate constant desperation, bringing to it the sort of manic energy who literally is fending of creditors at every moment. He doesn't have sort of the typical pathos of Micawber, but he's good within this different riff on the character.)

Barnard - (Somehow made someone more punchable than Whishaw in the film, quite the achievement. He's mainly one note other than his last scene though despicably effective in being just so horrible, and not even in a way you admire the cunning of evil, he's just abhorrent as a condescending yet full of himself jerk. Barnard's performance emphasizing that while also being a wimp in a display of just being completely intolerable, which is the point.)

Clark - (Doing her very best Shirley Henderson impersonation, and an artful job of it I will say. Finding sort of the right daffiness that makes her character not horrible, but just detached in a certain way with the right humor within that.)

Christie - (Far better villainy than as Phasma, she's properly horrible though, limited of course but good in that limit.)

Wong - (Doesn't have too much to do though is good in portraying sort of his bumbling always near booze-hound manner.)

Whitehouse & Cooper - (Perhaps the most traditionally Dickens in terms of performance and a fine example of it.)

Eleazar - (Wonderful in terms of striking up her chemistry with Patel in their scenes in terms of making that attraction a given, along with just delivering and luminous and endearing energy with her work.)

Yes indeed.

John Smith:

I don't keep a record of what performances that were officially requested after they've been reviewed.

Well Stevens is also an English performer language. I'll just say creating such distinctions is silly to me. There can be great work from any country, or in any language. There can also be bad or boring work from any country or in any language.

Tim:

Honestly it sounds almost like a "hopeful" or perhaps more melodramatic arrangement of "Journey to the Line" without being as good as that piece. Although being a kind of arrangement of that piece will still be quite striking, even if Bay's direction of the score was probably "Something like Titanic".

John Smith said...

Fair point. I'm just happy that so many people from different cultures are active on this blog and thanks to that I've discovered movies that has given me insight when it comes to the rest of the world (:

Tim said...

Fitting to Gulpilil being up for a review, i saw The Proposition today, a movie i don't think i ever would have watched if it weren't for this blog. I thought i was great; had terrific ensemble, good cinematography and a fantastic score. It is still not my favorite from 2005 however, i just love Brokeback Mountain and King Kong too much.

Winstone: 5
Pearce: 4/4.5
Watson: 5
Huston: 4
Wenham: 3
Hurt: 4/4.5

Mitchell Murray said...

Perhaps this would be a question more suited to the 2016 alternates, but has anyone here seen a film called "The Shallows"? And if so, what would be your thoughts on the movie/Blake Lively's performance?

Luke Higham said...

Mitchell: I think Robert saw it and liked it.

Bryan L. said...

Mitchell:

I have as well and thought it was decent, B-movie fun. Third act goes a little too cartoonish but it’s pretty much what I expected.

Lively I remember giving a solid “girl trying to survive” performance you see in these types of films.

Anonymous said...

Luke, your top five/ten Ben Whishaw performances

Luke Higham said...

1. Richard II
2. A Very English Scandal
3. Criminal Justice (The original 'The Night Of')
4. Cloud Atlas
5. Perfume: The Story Of A Murderer

Have yet to see Bright Star.

Mitchell Murray said...

Luke and Bryan: I ask mainly because its a film I don't remember being discussed on this blog. Personally, I enjoy the picture despite its inherent silliness, as its certainly a good looking movie with a solid central performance.

Incidentally, I would also say Lively is a somewhat underrated actress at times. She still has some underwhelming roles under her belt, of course, but she's also delivered given some effective work when pressed, namely "The Shallows".

Bryan L. said...

Louis: Kind of like with Andrew Garfield in his 2015-2016 output, how do you think Scarlett Johansson evolved in her 2019 work compared to her previous films?

Bryan L. said...

*Evolved as an actress

Mitchell Murray said...

Bryan: Well I would say Johansson's evolution was two fold:

For one, none of her 2019 film characters exploited Johansson as a sexual fantasy. Looking at her career in retrospect, that is a major problem I have with a lot of her other roles Ex. "Don Jon", "Iron Man 2"... even "Lost in Translation" with that opening frame. That issue is hardly unique to Johansson, of course, but the real problem lies in how shallow most of those characters were. She just couldn't do a whole lot with such thankless material, and if anything, they only served to illuminate her weaknesses.

Secondly, it came down to Johansson herself maturing into a better performer, and being able to draw on a greater level of experience. I don't think its a coincidence that her two best performances to date are of maternal figures, given that she's now a mom herself. She's even stated that her "Jojo" performance was partly inspired by her own mother, which helps to support that notion. Because of this, Johansson was not just given the chance to show more range, she could also capitalize on those stronger scripts, and tap into uncharted emotional extremes.

I can only hope that with her recent acclaim, Johansson will continue to subvert any previous ideas of her acting limits, and make smart creative choices in the years to come.

Matthew Montada said...

Mitchell: What about her performances in Her and Under The Skin? Would you say she gave good performances in those films?

Matt Mustin said...

Matthew: She's fine in Her, but people really went too far with the praise there.

Mitchell Murray said...

Matthew: Yes I certainly would, and I suppose those are exceptions to my first paragraph (Even though a notable talking point regarding "Under the Skin" was Johansson's nudity). I might also add her later work with the Russo brothers.

I suppose I could generalize my stance by saying a lot of Johansson's career has been one of frustration; Frustration at seeing hints of her talent from time to time, but also seeing that potential squandered with needlessly sexualized characters, thus kiboshing any real cultivation of her range or skill.

Robert MacFarlane said...

I've more or less consistently enjoyed Johansson from 2013 onwards, though Marriage Story was the first time to really make me say "holy shit".

Mitchell Murray said...

Robert: Agreed, but what about before then?

Anonymous said...

Louis: Could I have your thoughts on this minute long scene from Jojo's Bizarre Adventure?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DMI1dHGOPJo

Luke Higham said...

Happy Birthday Daniel (RatedRStar)

Anonymous said...

Happy Birthday Daniel and Luke

Tahmeed Chowdhury said...

Happy birthday, Luke and Daniel!

Luke Higham said...

Thanks Anonymous and Tahmeed

Luke Higham said...

It seems that next year's Oscars will be delayed until April at the latest and the eligibility period will be extended until March.

Emi Grant said...

Luke, RatedRStar: Congratulations to both of you, guys. Have a Happy B-day!

Tim said...

happy birhtday Luke and Daniel!


It seems as if Tenet is getting delayed by just two weeks. I still cannot see if that is going to work out

Luke Higham said...

Mid-Late October would be better for it in my opinion.

Luke Higham said...

And thanks Emi and Tim.

Tim said...

Louis your thoughts on the Main Theme from The Fog?

Bryan L. said...

Happy Birthday Luke!

Luke Higham said...

Thanks Bryan

Matthew Montada said...

Happy Birthday, Luke!

Aidan Pittman said...

Happy Birthday, Luke and Daniel!

Calvin Law said...

Happy birthday chaps xo

Luke Higham said...

Thanks Matthew, Aidan and Calvin.

Louis: Your thoughts on the Academy's recent decisions (and what has been rumoured today).

Mitchell Murray said...

Luke and Daniel: Happy birthday, you two.

RatedRStar said...

Happy Birthday Luke

Thank you all for your kind comments.

Luke Higham said...

Thank you Mitchell and Daniel

Louis Morgan said...

Luke & RatedRStar:

Happy birthday gentlemen.

Bryan:

For me, her presence really hasn't changed in a major way, she's just become more natural and in turn less bland as a performer. The simple truth is some actors just get better as they go along, Gregory Peck even Paul Newman to a lesser extent, Johansson is one of them.

Anonymous:

Imma confused. All I can say is that escalated quickly.

Tim:

As per usual with prime Carpenter, a memorable theme with a minimalistic approach that is fascinating in how simple it is yet how well it works. This just the two jumping scales, yet just instantly sets a sense of mood.

Luke:

I'm fine with the clean 10, as it basically acts as the academy's "top ten" for the year, any more than five removes the sort of "exclusivity" angle anyways, so a clean ten is fine. The additional invites, sure why not, although I think they've already been doing that. I'll say though their apparently stated intention to increase the "diversity" of the lineup probably won't do what they wish. For one take the reaction to Selma's 2 nominations for example, if it is only in best picture it the perception makes it seem worse in some ways than if it was completely snubbed. Secondly, the additional 1 or 2 spots, does not guarantee it will be a film to support that. I mean this year, the 10th spot was not Queen & Slim, Harriet or The Farewell (Nor should it have been in regards to the first two). The point is the amount of films in the lineup won't change that to any great degree.

What Rumor?

If you're referring to the delayed date, as mentioned before, fine if they would like, again I will be breaking apart lineups in overall rankings depending on the actual year of release either way, as I did for the early Oscar years.

Luke Higham said...

Louis: Yeah, that's what I was referring to and I'm happy enough with your decision on that. Will you be calling it Alternate 2021 Vol. 1. :)

Luke Higham said...

And thank you very much Louis.

RatedRStar said...

Louis: Thank you very much Master Morgan xx

Luke Higham said...

You know what, I'm usually against requests being made for the current year unless it's something you're really passionate about but I'm willing to take exception for 2020. I might request Hugh Laurie next either as part of the lineup or as an extra with Whishaw (Depending on the strength of the year).

Luke Higham said...

And now it's official, I just wish Christopher Nolan could see sense and delay Tenet for an October release.

Tim said...

any chance Gary Sinise could go up for Forrest Gump?

Also, i know you are really not a fan of that movie so i don't know if you've ever really focused on it, but your thoughts on the cinematography of Titanic?

Bryan L. said...

Tim: He gave the Titanic cinematography thoughts here (actoroscar.blogspot.com/2017/12/alternate-best-supporting-actor-2010_10.html?m=1)

Tim said...

thanks

Bryan L. said...

Louis: Your cast and director for an 80s version of this film?

Anonymous said...

Have you ever given your thoughts on the cast of Red Dragon? For me, it's the only movie of the Hannibal universe after TSotL that works, so I'd like to know what you think of it and the actors.

Luke Higham said...

Anonymous: Louis hasn't seen it yet though will soon enough. Looking forward to Ralph Fiennes' review.

Louis Morgan said...

Bryan:

The Guest 1980's directed by John Carpenter:

David Collins: Kurt Russell
Anna Peterson: Ally Sheedy
Luke Peterson: Matthew Broderick
Laura Peterson: Adrienne Barbeau
Spencer Peterson: Dick Miller
Major Carver: Louis Gossett Jr.

Anonymous said...

Louis what would you say are the 10 worst cases of category fraud of all time?

Louis Morgan said...

Anonymous:

Disregarded supporting in lead, as if you can win that way, more power to you and speaks all the more towards the impact of the work.

1. Richard Burton - My Cousin Rachel
2. Tatum O'Neal - Paper Moon
3. Gene Hackman - I Never Sang For My Father
4. Jack Albertson - The Subject Was Roses
5. Al Pacino - The Godfather
6. Charles Coburn - The Devil and Miss Jones
7. Jamie Foxx - Collateral
8. River Phoenix - Running on Empty
9. Timothy Hutton - Ordinary People
10. Martin Landau - Crimes and Misdemeanors

Calvin Law said...

Surprised Rooney Mara in Carol didn't make the list, as someone who adores that performance that did not sit well with me at all.

Anonymous said...

Its called an *opinion*

John Smith said...

Louis, yesterday is 'The Remains Of The Day' and thought Hopkins gave a great performance. I would give him 4.5 close to 5. Is there a chance for an upgrade?

John Smith said...

Also Louis, your thoughts on the voice of Lauren Bacall

Anonymous said...

Luke, right now, who do you think will be Louis' Lead Actress winner for 2020.

Luke Higham said...

Anonymous: Out of the reviews I've seen, Carey Mulligan in Promising Young Woman or Olivia Colman in The Father.

Anonymous said...

Louis: Thoughts on the cinematography of Sin City?

Anonymous said...

Luke, happy belated birthday.

Luke Higham said...

Anonymous: Thanks.

John Smith said...

Luke & RatedRStar: A bit late to the party, happy birthday to both if you.

Tim said...

Louis, have you read Stephen King's The Shining? If so, what do you think About the Kubrick-movie adaptation-wise?

Luke Higham said...

Thanks John

RatedRStar said...

Thank you John =)

Louis Morgan said...

Anonymous:

Sin City is actually a very curious example. This as the lighting and composition of shots is stunning in crafting the Frank Miller imagery in the cinematic form. There are brilliant shots throughout the film just filled with a heightened noir atmosphere that takes it seemingly to a next step with the extreme nature of these visions. Having said that the way the movement is captured takes so much away from it. This as movement very reveals the facade of it all, fittingly since most of it is green screen, however what is accomplished within the technique does not avoid this falter. This particularl element making what should look like incredible shots in stills, kind of ridiculous looking if you see the actual movie.

Tim:

Adaptation wise it is neither perfect nor the butchering I would say some would care to say. This as any good adaptation, needs to adapt. A lot of what Kubrick excises is smart. Hedge monsters would not work in the 80's, or maybe ever. Upping the stakes through an axe rather than a mallet, good idea. Alluding to the past of the hotel rather spelling out every little detail was also an intelligent move as most good King adaptations reduce his vast amount of details, particularly in cutting back the lore which can be tricky, just ask IT chapter 2 in that regard. So what there is are a lot intelligent refinements. Having said that, as is typically my issue with late Kubrick, he ripped the heart out of the novel by making Jack basically a deranged lunatic ready to burst from the outset. This one I'll say was clearly his intention, not just in casting Nicholson, but also how he acts throughout. Nonetheless I question the choice as it removes the sense of a personal descent of a man losing himself to his demons, instead its just a psychopath who gets crazier. That is viscerally effective, however it does remove that aforementioned heart out of it.