A masterpiece of
Psychological drama.
Christian Bale utterly blew
me away.
As promised, here is a review of one of the most twisted and effective psychological thrillers I have ever seen. A film, which not only stands as one of the greatest films of the 21st century in my eyes, but the film which cemented Christian Bale as more than simply a great actor, but as a legendary actor.
Christian Bale's character Trevor Reznik is a terrifying and totally sympathetic emotional wreck. Attempting to pick your way through his brain while he tries to figure out what is happening to him is one of the most compelling past-times I've ever had while watching a thriller, and the reveal as to who Reznik actually is was astonishing. I cannot empahaise enough how well this character works and how brilliant Bale is in the lead role, it a complete triumph in writing, directing and direction. The film's other actors are also all good, with some memorable lines and strong deliveries, however this film entirely belongs to Reznik, and Bale dominates every scene of this film.
The narrative of the film is devilishly complex and enjoyable twisted, as if the stunning storytelling of a Hitchcock film was mixed with the bizarre and morbid emotional weight of Sympathy for Mr. Vengeance. This film has some of the best use foreshadowing, reincorporation and symbolism I have ever seen in a thriller and it makes the process of working your way through the tightly knit narrative even more rewarding to the viewer. This is one of the most perfectly plotted thrillers, nigh, films I have ever seen and I dare anyone to give criticism other than glowing praise towards it.
Finally the cinematography. The third punch in this film's assault of perfection. Character, narrative, visual. When I watched the opening sequence, my jaw dropped. It was so beautifully stark, and ominously inviting that I fell in love straight away. Throughout the film, my jaw dropped several more times, at some of the even more impressive visuals. The hypnotic whirring of the gears within the factory and the ghost train sequence impressed me in particular. What can I give other than outlandish praise? That's all this film deserves in my opinion.
In conclusion, I apologise for the dull and repetitive positivity of this review. I absolutely adore this film and it has quickly become a favourite of mine. A true masterpiece.
By Jack D. Phillips
A Zoom Film Review
Christian Bale's character Trevor Reznik is a terrifying and totally sympathetic emotional wreck. Attempting to pick your way through his brain while he tries to figure out what is happening to him is one of the most compelling past-times I've ever had while watching a thriller, and the reveal as to who Reznik actually is was astonishing. I cannot empahaise enough how well this character works and how brilliant Bale is in the lead role, it a complete triumph in writing, directing and direction. The film's other actors are also all good, with some memorable lines and strong deliveries, however this film entirely belongs to Reznik, and Bale dominates every scene of this film.
The narrative of the film is devilishly complex and enjoyable twisted, as if the stunning storytelling of a Hitchcock film was mixed with the bizarre and morbid emotional weight of Sympathy for Mr. Vengeance. This film has some of the best use foreshadowing, reincorporation and symbolism I have ever seen in a thriller and it makes the process of working your way through the tightly knit narrative even more rewarding to the viewer. This is one of the most perfectly plotted thrillers, nigh, films I have ever seen and I dare anyone to give criticism other than glowing praise towards it.
Finally the cinematography. The third punch in this film's assault of perfection. Character, narrative, visual. When I watched the opening sequence, my jaw dropped. It was so beautifully stark, and ominously inviting that I fell in love straight away. Throughout the film, my jaw dropped several more times, at some of the even more impressive visuals. The hypnotic whirring of the gears within the factory and the ghost train sequence impressed me in particular. What can I give other than outlandish praise? That's all this film deserves in my opinion.
In conclusion, I apologise for the dull and repetitive positivity of this review. I absolutely adore this film and it has quickly become a favourite of mine. A true masterpiece.
By Jack D. Phillips
A Zoom Film Review
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