The Weight of Water (2000)

A newspaper photographer researches an 1873 double homicide and finds her own life paralleling that of a witness who survived the tragic ordeal.

Director:

Kathryn Bigelow

Writers:

Anita Shreve (novel), Alice Arlen (screenplay)

Stars:

Catherine McCormack, Sean Penn, Sarah Polley

1 win & 1 nomination.

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Ciarán Hinds	...	Louis Wagner (as Ciaran Hinds)
Richard Donat	...	Mr. Plaisted
Sarah Polley	...	Maren Hontvedt
Ulrich Thomsen	...	John Hontvedt
Anders W. Berthelsen	...	Evan Christenson
Murdoch MacDonald	...	Bailiff (as Murdock McDonald)
Joseph Rutten	...	Judge
John Walf	...	Defense Attorney
Katrin Cartlidge	...	Karen Christenson
Vinessa Shaw	...	Anethe Christenson
Adam Curry	...	Emil Ingerbretson
Catherine McCormack	...	Jean Janes
Sean Penn	...	Thomas Janes
Josh Lucas	...	Rich Janes
Elizabeth Hurley	...	Adaline Gunne

Storyline

A newspaper photographer, Jean, researches the lurid and sensational axe murder of two women in 1873 as an editorial tie-in with a brutal modern double murder. She discovers a cache of papers that appear to give an account of the murders by an eyewitness. The plot weaves between the narrative of the eyewitness and Jean's private struggle with jealousies and suspicions as her marriage teeters.

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Plot Keywords:

lesbian subtext | woman murders a woman | cleavage | breasts | female frontal nudity | 

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Taglines:

Hell hath no fury...

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Genres:

Crime | Drama | Mystery | Thriller

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Motion Picture Rating (MPAA)

Rated R for violence, sexuality/nudity, and brief language

Details

Country:

USA Canada France

Language:

English

Release Date:

31 July 2002 (France)

Also Known As:

El peso del agua

Filming Locations:

Fox Baja Studios, Rosarito, Baja California Norte, Mexico

Box Office

Budget:

$16,000,000 (estimated)

Opening Weekend USA:

$45,888, 3 November 2002, Limited Release

Gross USA:

$102,622, 17 November 2002

Company Credits

Production Co:

StudioCanal, Manifest Film Company, Palomar Pictures (II)

Technical Specs

Sound Mix:

DTS Dolby Digital SDDS

Color:

Black and White Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1

Did You Know?

Trivia

Based on an actual double-murder on the Isles of Shoals on 6 March 1873.

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Goofs

The oil lamps in the courtroom had incandescent mantles. In fact, the mantle was not invented and patented until 1885.

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Quotes

Thomas Janes: Though lovers shall be lost, love shall not.

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Connections

Referenced in Ancient Evil 2: Guardian of the Underworld (2005)

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Soundtracks

Sulli lulli lite ban
Written by Inge Krokann
Performed by Traditional

User Reviews

Underrated film by an underrated director.

"The Weight of Water" (interestingly obscure title, isn't it?) is not a masterpiece, and sometimes seems to be striving for a "greater meaning" that simply isn't there. However, that's no excuse for its excessively poor critical reception. Yes, the "seduction" part of the present story is a bit cliched, and the story of the past goes pretty much where you expect it (after a point) to go. In spite of all that, the film is able to get by on the strength of Kathryn Bigelow's direction, which is, in a word, impeccable. Every single shot is meticulously planned and - when it has to be - visually beautiful. Bigelow has already proved that she is a master of her craft when it comes to directing high-energy action sequences; here she proves that she is equally adept at subtlety. There are facial expressions, small gestures and glances that speak volumes in this movie. Of course part of the credit for that has to go to the cast, which is mostly superb (with the notable exception of Elizabeth Harley); Catherine McCormack and Sarah Polley are the best, each one holds her own story together perfectly. The film also has stunning photography and a beautiful music score. (**1/2)