Director: M. Knight Shyamalan
Venue: theater
Trailer
Let me preface this review by stating, “I am an M. Knight Shamalan fan”. So, you might find that I’m a little bit biased. However, it often seems that a man has no harsh a critic as his greatest fan. One need only peruse the comments left by old-school Star Wars fans in regards to the newest additions to the series as proof of that statement. The trailers for Lady in the Water initially led me to believe that this movie was a horror film. Not so. This lady is a fairy tale. So, don’t purchase your ticket expecting to be scared out of your wits. By all means, do purchase that ticket, but go in willing to be lead along a path of whimsy and puzzlement placed in a time close to our own. It’s about time we learned to imagine again.
The entire movie takes place at an apartment complex. The opening sequence fills the audience in as to the background of the tale. Immediately afterward, we are introduced to the cast of important characters. Pay attention, if you can, because you’ll need these clues to figure out the puzzle. A mysterious lady emerges from the complex’s swimming pool and involves its caretaker in her quest to find a certain writer and then return to her aquatic homeworld. He continues, without question, to aid her in her mission. The tennents are soon drawn in and so is the audience, as we try to pick up the pieces. If Lady in the Water wasn’t based on a book, then I applaud the director’s imagination. If it is, then I applaud his adaptation. Either way, full points for originality.
Plot: 5 stars
There weren’t any characters that I didn’t enjoy, and there aren’t any actors in this movie that I can condemn. Following the habits of Alfred Hitchcock and Stephen King, Shamalan likes to appear in each of his films, if only as a cameo. My only criticism of the cast is the director’s portrayal of himself as the noble squire. Although he knows he is ill fated, he chooses to boldly strike forth as a martyr. It just seems a bit conceited to me. For comic relief, one of the tennants of the building happens to be a movie critic and I can’t help but imagine that Shamalan is striking back. Once again, each actor plays their role expertly and isn’t unbelieveable, even for a moment.
Acting: 4 stars
Lady in the Water isn’t a gun-blast extravaganza. Neither is it a kung-fu classic. However, it does have elements of suspense and pulse pounding. What exists in the way of action is played out timely and skillfully. It serves the purpose of pulling the audience into the drama. Anyone expecting an all out battle with the sinister beast will be disappointed.
Action: 3 stars
There is plenty of CGI in Lady. But, it isn’t glorified. The mood is enhanced well by the sets and lighting. Although there is no definate time frame expressed (the writer still uses a typewriter), there is the sense of a modern day relevence. What I’m saying is, it’s easy to imagine oneself as a tennant in this building. The setting is appropriate to draw in the viewer.
Visual: 3 stars
Dialogue is believeable and sometimes whitty, especially during the three-way conversations of the asian tennant, her mother, and the caretaker. Every line is fitting to its character. Even the film critic’s monologue to himself aids the absorbtion of the audience. Early on in the film, it’s curious that each of the character’s should be so ready to believe in our fairy tale. But, the dialogue eventually helps to illustrate the director’s awareness of the audience’s thoughts.
Dialogue: 4 stars
In summation, see it, see it, see it! It’s worth the price of admission for the adventure alone. This is one movie I’d love to see again and will anxiously await purchase on DVD.
Alternate viewing choice: The Village
***Note: If you found this review via IMDB, please let us know by leaving a comment. Thanks!***
No comments:
Post a Comment