Thursday, February 23, 2012

Will I Watch The Oscars This Year - No


Why not?

Michael Shannon and Jessica Chastain robbed as Best Actor and Best Supporting Actress for Take Shelter (2011)

Writer-director Jeff Nichols deploys a few cinematic tricks to sell the atmosphere of his apocalyptic drama, but the bulk of 'Take Shelter's' impact rests on Shannon's stunning work as a tormented family man experiencing horrific visions that seem to signal the end of the world, and Chastain's delicate balance of sympathy and caution as his worried wife. Staying in perfect sync throughout, they maintain the narrative ambiguity that's essential to Nichols' script; if Shannon suddenly seems like a raving loon, or Chastain looks like a doormat, the whole thing would fall apart in seconds. Instead, the two actors deliver a master class in collaboration, and 'Take Shelter' becomes one of the year's most riveting features. Naturally, the Academy ignored it completely.

The movie also had one of the most terrific final scenes I have ever seen.

3 comments:

Debra She Who Seeks said...

I've never even heard of this movie.

Cal's Canadian Cave of Coolness said...

It's an indie that you must seek out. I noticed it looking for more Michael Shannon stuff after he was so amazing in 'Boardwalk Empire'.

DrGoat said...

Never heard of it either. Must check it out. I have also found out you have to actively search out good indie movies. There's a movie called Mystery Train, directed by Jim Jarmusch that's a must see. I'm sure you all would like. Also Pearl Diver.