The movie begins half-heartedly, and ends abruptly. So why bother watching? Well, it’s the middle part of the movie that’s interesting and arresting, particularly for movie-afficianodes.
One thing that captures the eyes at the beginning, and which remains for the entire movie, is the dull grey tones of the film. The movie never brightens. Even the sun shine is shown as sedate. If the approach of the cinematographer was to add soft colors to highlight the moods and aide in storytelling, then this was achieved totally.
More additions into moods and acting was done by Jake Gyllenhaal, the star in a double role. Though the character has double role, it’s only one of the roles that’s more detailed and extensive. Besides depressing outlook on life, the role also needed characteristics like; reticence, under-confidence, fear, but at the same time, an attitude to explore out of the box. Jake Gyllenhaal could portray all of them well.
There is nothing in the story to rave about. There is an attempt to create a psycho-drama, but it was not totally achieved. Only in parts where the actor is contending with his own mental conditions that the story remains steady. Anything else, like a huge tarantula, etc., has failed to add to the story. Also, there is one Car-Crash whose CGI is the worst I ever saw.
If the viewer expects story-satisfaction, there may not be any. But if the viewer is looking for some aspects of acting – the communication of subtle emotions, the rhythmic flow of screenplay in the middle-meat of the movie, plus, the unique cinematography – there won’t be much disappointment.
The movie begins to satisfy from a little while after the start till a little while before the end.
neerajshrivastav 