I just finished watching The Others on recommendation from several people. It
wasn't quite what I expected...I thought the story lacked something that I
haven't quite put my finger on, yet.
But the lighting amazed me. It lent a historic
or an other worldy feel...often you felt the scene had been shot with sepia film
and a few items colorized by hand, like an old photograph. Other times people
went from being very alive and full of color to pale and ghostly while the
camera never left their face. They also paid a great deal of attention to
makeup, going so far as to make people's eyes appear bright or dead, sometimes
glassy, sometimes sparkling. Some of the shots were very artful as well and did
a good job of adding to the suspense and eeriness of the plot.
I
did think Nicole Kidman choose a fine role...she is at her best when in a temper
and she got to spend quite a bit of time slamming doors, sweeping her skirts,
grandly entering or exiting a room. I like Ms. Kidman's acting a great deal,
whether she is firey or subdued, but she is one of the best firey actresses on
screen right now.
The plot left something to be desired, in my
opinion. The movie had a 'made for tv' feel that I expect came across even on
the big screen. Lots of inuendos, but not enough true suspense in some of the
characters to carry their weight in the plot. I never really got the feel anyone
was in danger, ghosts or no ghosts. I thought Alakina Mann who plays Anne did
the finest jpb of being drawing out the suspense and drama of her scenes. For a
while I expected her to turn out to be the 'evil' element of the story.
It wasn't a truly thought provoking movie, however. And since that
is what I am primarily interested in as of late, I don't have much else to say
about it. I didn't think the film was, overall, up to par for Ms. Kidman. I
applaud her willingness to take risks, though...so many actors and actresses
find what works for them and stick to it so long that you know exactly what will
happen in the movie the moment you see the credits on the poster. Perhaps that
is why she left Tom...he was too predictable. In any case, I am glad I waited
for The Others to come out on video. But the best thing about it, for me, was
definately the cinematography.
list!
