This had sat in my Netflix queue for some time. The description and the thumbnail didn't intrigue me, so I kept passing it over for other things.
I finally got around to watching it last night. This is a great movie on so many fronts.
The plot is relatively straightforware. It's a historical who-done-it. Bale's detective Landor is called in to solve a series of ritualistic murders at a military academy. His presence is mostly unwelcome by the academy's superiors. While there he encounters a cadet, Edgar Allen Poe, and enlists his aid.
The story unfolds at a languid pace. There are no action setpieces to speak of. What sells this movie is the story, and the ensemble acting.
Bale as the detective, Melling as an intense Poe, supporting roles by Toby Jones, Gillian Anderson, Robert Duvall and lesser known names are solid. Bale, in particular, as a man living with grief is particularly outstanding.
The assorted dialogues between characters -- particularly Bale and Melling -- underscores how many movies today are underserved by poor writing. Here, the writing is a standout.
The bleak winter scenery adds to the melancholy atmosphere. The directing doesn't distract from the goings on with any elaborate tricks.
My only (very) minor complaint is that it clocks in at over two hours. Otherwise, it was a 'wow, glad I saw that' movie for me.
I finally got around to watching it last night. This is a great movie on so many fronts.
The plot is relatively straightforware. It's a historical who-done-it. Bale's detective Landor is called in to solve a series of ritualistic murders at a military academy. His presence is mostly unwelcome by the academy's superiors. While there he encounters a cadet, Edgar Allen Poe, and enlists his aid.
The story unfolds at a languid pace. There are no action setpieces to speak of. What sells this movie is the story, and the ensemble acting.
Bale as the detective, Melling as an intense Poe, supporting roles by Toby Jones, Gillian Anderson, Robert Duvall and lesser known names are solid. Bale, in particular, as a man living with grief is particularly outstanding.
The assorted dialogues between characters -- particularly Bale and Melling -- underscores how many movies today are underserved by poor writing. Here, the writing is a standout.
The bleak winter scenery adds to the melancholy atmosphere. The directing doesn't distract from the goings on with any elaborate tricks.
My only (very) minor complaint is that it clocks in at over two hours. Otherwise, it was a 'wow, glad I saw that' movie for me.