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Lady in the Water
A few days ago, I began a thread about failing to find the "entertainment" value in poor movies. However, upon reflection, I realize now the true fear was not that I did not appreciate poor movies. I have every right to despise their existence. The fear was the possiblity of losing the basic wonder I have seen in films. It had been so long since I had seen a movie which moved me in a memorable way. Luckily, there is M. Night Shymalan and his brilliant Lady in the Water.
Acting: A
Paul Giamatti is one of the best actors in Hollywood, and he proved his ability once more. His work was above any reproach or criticism. He immerses himself in his role as to be lost. With a mere look, he conveys years of back story and emotion. Few actors understand their characters the way Giamatti seems to, and with little effort.
More interesting than Giamatti's performance, the major role Shymalan casts for himself--that of the Vessel. I was wary of such a bold move, but Shymalan proved he was capable of handling a heavy role. I do not want him to continue with this (there is a reason I get sick of Orson Welles sometimes), but it was a nice change of pace for him.
Directing: A-
Technically, Shymalan has his ducks in a row. The cinemtographer, Christopher Doyle, aided breathtakingly in creating a realistic yet somehow surreal visual aesthetic--aiding to the modern fairy tale theme of the movie. The use of color is an additional to the aforementioned atmosphere (I
assonance).
There were some pacing problems though. Fifteen minutes would fly by at some points, while take an agonizingly slow time at another. That's the only complaint I have, but I am sure if I watched it again I would have more. I would probably have more compliments also.
Writing: B+/A-
Overall: 8/10
Lady in the Water has been widely criticized (including around MoFo) for lacking a direction. If I remember correctly, Yoda said it tried to be too many things at one time. I believe the lack of direction was a particular tool. Lady is a film about the power and beauty of a story. It appeals to the audience in an almost instinctual way--appealing to a proud tradition of storytelling we have lost. It is so much more than a commentary on life's purpose or interconnectivity. It is an attempt to connect us with the children we once were. As I watched the beautiful story unfold, I felt like I was five years old. I remebered when my Grandfather told me stories of false identity, heroes and villains, and good vs evil. The lack of creative direction was the point, Mr. Yoda.
One of the characters, Mr Leeds, said, "I want to believe more than most. I want to believe there is more to this world than misery and despair." So did I. M. Night made me believe. And if you sit in the theatre and allow your mind to open to thie possiblity of Narfs and Scrunts and magic, you too will believe. And only then, you will truly love Lady.
If you like this movie, you will also like...
Finding Neverland
A Thousand Clowns
Harvey
A few days ago, I began a thread about failing to find the "entertainment" value in poor movies. However, upon reflection, I realize now the true fear was not that I did not appreciate poor movies. I have every right to despise their existence. The fear was the possiblity of losing the basic wonder I have seen in films. It had been so long since I had seen a movie which moved me in a memorable way. Luckily, there is M. Night Shymalan and his brilliant Lady in the Water.
Acting: A
Paul Giamatti is one of the best actors in Hollywood, and he proved his ability once more. His work was above any reproach or criticism. He immerses himself in his role as to be lost. With a mere look, he conveys years of back story and emotion. Few actors understand their characters the way Giamatti seems to, and with little effort.
More interesting than Giamatti's performance, the major role Shymalan casts for himself--that of the Vessel. I was wary of such a bold move, but Shymalan proved he was capable of handling a heavy role. I do not want him to continue with this (there is a reason I get sick of Orson Welles sometimes), but it was a nice change of pace for him.
Directing: A-
Technically, Shymalan has his ducks in a row. The cinemtographer, Christopher Doyle, aided breathtakingly in creating a realistic yet somehow surreal visual aesthetic--aiding to the modern fairy tale theme of the movie. The use of color is an additional to the aforementioned atmosphere (I
assonance).There were some pacing problems though. Fifteen minutes would fly by at some points, while take an agonizingly slow time at another. That's the only complaint I have, but I am sure if I watched it again I would have more. I would probably have more compliments also.
Writing: B+/A-
Overall: 8/10
Lady in the Water has been widely criticized (including around MoFo) for lacking a direction. If I remember correctly, Yoda said it tried to be too many things at one time. I believe the lack of direction was a particular tool. Lady is a film about the power and beauty of a story. It appeals to the audience in an almost instinctual way--appealing to a proud tradition of storytelling we have lost. It is so much more than a commentary on life's purpose or interconnectivity. It is an attempt to connect us with the children we once were. As I watched the beautiful story unfold, I felt like I was five years old. I remebered when my Grandfather told me stories of false identity, heroes and villains, and good vs evil. The lack of creative direction was the point, Mr. Yoda.
One of the characters, Mr Leeds, said, "I want to believe more than most. I want to believe there is more to this world than misery and despair." So did I. M. Night made me believe. And if you sit in the theatre and allow your mind to open to thie possiblity of Narfs and Scrunts and magic, you too will believe. And only then, you will truly love Lady.
If you like this movie, you will also like...
Finding Neverland
A Thousand Clowns
Harvey