Lady in the Water
I posted this recently in response to an online discussion of Lady in the Water. Since I never got around to reviewing it (and so saving a few bucks for those select few, like myself, who are too stubborn to take good advice). So I thought I would post it here as well. Here goes:
I really wanted to like this film, and went to see it against my better judgment, a host of terrible reviews and the urgings of practically everyone I know. I loved the Village, and was rather impressed by The Sixth Sense and Unbreakable as well. I wanted to be seduced into this magical world, as I was with the Village (a flawed movie, to be sure, but one that was able to capture my imagination nonetheless and hold it until the end). Alas, It was simply not possible. While the concept is fantastic- a modern day fairy tale- the execution falls far short of even slightly entertaining. There were moments when it seemed possible that it might develop into something more, but each time it failed. There wasn't even the characteristic Shyamalan twist at the end (or, if there was, I was so numb by that point that I did not notice it).
Threadbare plot, clumsy direction, uneven camera shots, silly names, and a highly unbelievable premise. Worst of all the film does not really draw the viewer into the world, and fails to achieve that sense of suspension of disbelief necessary to creating a watchable film, particularly a film of this genre.
Another problem (the biggest problem in my opinion) was the ham-handed telling of the fairy tale, it was far too forced. It should have been allowed to flow naturally, revealing itself a bit at a time, in a very subtle manner, rather than being told between poorly filmed phone conversations and grossly self-indulgent scenes of Giamati hamming it up for the camera (which was actually one of the more watchable parts of the film). It seemed as though the director was very pleased with the modern day fairy tale he had wrought and really wanted to be absolutely certain the viewer understood that it was a modern day fairy tale. It is rather (extremely) condescending to the audience, and I admit to leaving the theater with my intelligence somewhat bruised (and my pocketbook somewhat emptier). It wanted to be E.T. it just didn't have the heart...or Spielberg. Still, it was probably much better than Eragon (which I am going to give a wide berth).
Giamati is a fine actor, but he is wasted here. Howard does passingly well, much better than her performance in the Village. With time I have no doubt she will blossom into a actress of some talent. The remainder of the cast may as well have been sleeping-walking through the film, no doubt taking a cue from the director. The ending was ridiculous.
I think Pan's Labyrinth, another movie about fairy tales, will be a far superior movie, and I cannot wait for its release.
I really wanted to like this film, and went to see it against my better judgment, a host of terrible reviews and the urgings of practically everyone I know. I loved the Village, and was rather impressed by The Sixth Sense and Unbreakable as well. I wanted to be seduced into this magical world, as I was with the Village (a flawed movie, to be sure, but one that was able to capture my imagination nonetheless and hold it until the end). Alas, It was simply not possible. While the concept is fantastic- a modern day fairy tale- the execution falls far short of even slightly entertaining. There were moments when it seemed possible that it might develop into something more, but each time it failed. There wasn't even the characteristic Shyamalan twist at the end (or, if there was, I was so numb by that point that I did not notice it).
Threadbare plot, clumsy direction, uneven camera shots, silly names, and a highly unbelievable premise. Worst of all the film does not really draw the viewer into the world, and fails to achieve that sense of suspension of disbelief necessary to creating a watchable film, particularly a film of this genre.
Another problem (the biggest problem in my opinion) was the ham-handed telling of the fairy tale, it was far too forced. It should have been allowed to flow naturally, revealing itself a bit at a time, in a very subtle manner, rather than being told between poorly filmed phone conversations and grossly self-indulgent scenes of Giamati hamming it up for the camera (which was actually one of the more watchable parts of the film). It seemed as though the director was very pleased with the modern day fairy tale he had wrought and really wanted to be absolutely certain the viewer understood that it was a modern day fairy tale. It is rather (extremely) condescending to the audience, and I admit to leaving the theater with my intelligence somewhat bruised (and my pocketbook somewhat emptier). It wanted to be E.T. it just didn't have the heart...or Spielberg. Still, it was probably much better than Eragon (which I am going to give a wide berth).
Giamati is a fine actor, but he is wasted here. Howard does passingly well, much better than her performance in the Village. With time I have no doubt she will blossom into a actress of some talent. The remainder of the cast may as well have been sleeping-walking through the film, no doubt taking a cue from the director. The ending was ridiculous.
I think Pan's Labyrinth, another movie about fairy tales, will be a far superior movie, and I cannot wait for its release.
posted by Joel Hardin | 4:47 PM
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