This movie lingered on my Netflix queue for a long time.. I wish I had deleted it before it showed up in my mailbox. Yes.. I know that it was an acclaimed movie with all sorts of "Best Picture" nominations.. and possibly I just didn't "get it".. that said I'll try to opine a bit about it.Firstly I have to say that the acting was great - no surprise that Daniel Day-Lewis was spectacular in the role of a greedy mean-spirited silver miner turned oil well driller. I also enjoyed the movie's take on the beginnings of the oil industry. Thought that the costumes and cinematography were good as well.
All that said I have to say that I thought that the movie was self-indulgent and way too long.. it was filled with scenes that really went no where. And I think the main characters revealed the screen writers penchant for cynicism. Both Lewis' character and his preacher adversary are written in the worst of terms revealing the writers' disdain for both Oil and Religion.
The movie was just a downer for me. The ending had no redemptive qualities to it and painted a sad picture of the depravity of both religious and nonreligious people. I came away from the movie feeling that I had wasted a night wading through the darkside of human behavior.
On a scale of 10 I give this movie ★★★★
I loved it. It was a telling of the depravity of both sides and did a good job telling that story in a way that wasn't over the top. At least you liked the prestige
ReplyDeleteSorry jrchaard.. I know you liked it. Maybe you can do a Movie Monday post about it if the baby doesn't come soon.
ReplyDeleteI didn't see it, but from the looks of it, it seems depressing. Daniel D.L. is my all time favorite actor, he's incredible, he can do anything.
ReplyDeleteThis is Daniel D.L's all time performance!
ReplyDeleteIt's one I never wanted to see, but finally did. Amazing performances and overall feel. Some of those scenes really stuck with me, the milkshake scene in particular. Not one I'd really care to see again.
ReplyDelete