The plot is fantastic, the performances range from good to superb, the direction is Good. I really enjoyed it. So why only 7/10 Well the script though good needs some tightening up in places, but the screenplay is were this movie really lets down the production. The plot is quite an intricate tale of intrigue, romance, deception, misdirection and drama. To do this well is difficult, and to do it convincingly requires a very tight screenplay with details of logic, procedure, and continuity dealt with exceptionally. Though there are not so much 'holes' in the plot, it creaks and groans at the seams here and there where the bonds of the story are not quite so tight.
Very strong performances all round though. Sebastian Stan who plays Max is good but not quite up to the requirements of this role. He is given an awful lot to do in this production, with a range of demands on his capabilities that slightly outweighs his deliverable repertoire. He handles some aspects excellently while others not quite so well. Given the script has some limitations in areas of his involvement, it is difficult to say if this is due entirely to his shortcomings, but certainly these are areas of weakness the movie displays.
Julianne Moore gives a good performance, but still doesn't seem quite as engaged as she's really needs to be to bring off this one with the engrossment needed for a stellar accolade. Particularly as her role really does place great demands on the delivery for her character. Brianna Middleton - Sandra, Justice Smith - Tom, John Lithgow - Richard Hobbes are fantastic, and the minor cast also do valid service to the requirements of the roles they hold.
You may find parts of the film dragging as I did, and irrespective of how much I was enjoying the movie, this is an aspect that really shouldn't be present in a film of this calibre... that is, given it is offering so much. The failings should have been dealt with and eradicated long before production as without doubt, minor changes in this one could have brought it up easily to a 9/10.
The length is about right for a film of this genre, and I was pretty much immersed, from beginning to end (aside from the issues I've already highlighted).
Anyway, Its probably still the best movie I've seen this year and a pleasant surprise given what's been available so far.
Definitely recommended viewing.
7/10 from me.
Very strong performances all round though. Sebastian Stan who plays Max is good but not quite up to the requirements of this role. He is given an awful lot to do in this production, with a range of demands on his capabilities that slightly outweighs his deliverable repertoire. He handles some aspects excellently while others not quite so well. Given the script has some limitations in areas of his involvement, it is difficult to say if this is due entirely to his shortcomings, but certainly these are areas of weakness the movie displays.
Julianne Moore gives a good performance, but still doesn't seem quite as engaged as she's really needs to be to bring off this one with the engrossment needed for a stellar accolade. Particularly as her role really does place great demands on the delivery for her character. Brianna Middleton - Sandra, Justice Smith - Tom, John Lithgow - Richard Hobbes are fantastic, and the minor cast also do valid service to the requirements of the roles they hold.
You may find parts of the film dragging as I did, and irrespective of how much I was enjoying the movie, this is an aspect that really shouldn't be present in a film of this calibre... that is, given it is offering so much. The failings should have been dealt with and eradicated long before production as without doubt, minor changes in this one could have brought it up easily to a 9/10.
The length is about right for a film of this genre, and I was pretty much immersed, from beginning to end (aside from the issues I've already highlighted).
Anyway, Its probably still the best movie I've seen this year and a pleasant surprise given what's been available so far.
Definitely recommended viewing.
7/10 from me.