The title and poster of this movie make it sound way more exciting than it actually is.
For the sake of full discretion, maybe I should be honest and say I am really turned off by films that are obvious Oscar bait. You know them, the films that just scream "we all want Oscars so we manufactured this film specifically for the Academy." It's blatantly obvious that's what Nicole Kidman did with this film, and she did get her nomination, although she predictably lost to Natalie Portman for "Black Swan."
In Rabbit Hole, filthy rich Nicole Kidman and her husband Aaron Eckhart are grieving the death of their four year old son. That's essentially the beginning, the middle, and the end too. No, seriously. I'm not even going to use spoiler tags in this entire post, because there's nothing to spoil. In the midst of devising ways to win the Oscar I think they forgot to write a plot. It's basically ninety minutes of grief porn.
Nicole Kidman's character is not particularly likeable, either. She comes off as judgmental, snobby, and randomly assaults people. I understand how much she was going through, but still. She was a difficult character to relate to.
The cinematography, sets, and shots of this movie were beautiful. The acting from everyone involved was superb. Artistically, this movie gets a very high score, but as entertainment, skip it.
Artistic Value: 5
Entertainment Value: 1
As I was reading your review I felt like I was missing something... And I know what it is: a good description of the movie. I know you said that it was "grief porn" and that is the entire movie, but as someone who hasn't seen the movie, I'd want a little more than that if possible. Another thing I'm wondering is who is your intended theoretical audience. I enjoy a good movie but I can't say I know what you're talking about when you say this movie was "manufactured for the Oscars." Could you maybe give some specific examples of what that would look like and then point to the ways this movie tried to get an Oscar? You had a snarky attitude but I sincerely enjoyed that! I like a review with passion, maybe just a little more detail next time.
ReplyDeleteI reciprocate the above review to a degree though I don't necessarily think you need to explain things like "Oscar Bait". In my humble opinion, doing things like that takes away from time you could be spending being creative and dishing out your opinion. I too could've used a little more about the film though...plot wise. Perhaps I wouldn't have if this wasn't your first post and I knew you had a reputation for plot summaries of movies that deserved them, but as I don't have that frame of reference, I felt it was lacking. Stylistically though I think your blog aims to please and hits the target. Easy to read, not too long, simple but effective.
ReplyDeleteWell played Miss.
I'm going to echo the other two reviews as far as wanting a bit more description of the plot -- even if it was pure grief porn. Although, I think for this movie and any others like it that you review, maybe just quote or link to the IMDB summary? I don't know how useful it would be to get into details about the plot of a bad film and those summaries tend to be enough to provide context. Aside from that, I really enjoyed this post. I think you've got a great way with language and made it fun and snarky and enjoyable for post readers.
ReplyDeleteI like that you included the movie poster...but I almost wanted to see the trailer so I could see some of the actually film-qualities to it.
ReplyDeleteI appreciate that you're also evaluating these in more than one way :D
I would have included a better description of the plot, but I am not exaggerating in saying "Nicole Kidman and Aaron Eckhart grieve the death of their four year old son" IS the plot. Literally, NOTHING HAPPENS.
ReplyDeleteI tried to watch that movie; only made it through a half hour!
ReplyDeleteYou could try using some of the suggestions people offered to "layer" your posts: links to trailers, or embedding trailers or excerpts, will really bring your reviews to life. The rating system provides a good way for us to look forward to your reviews.
You might consider expanding the blog to include, eventually some memories that show why you like to watch film, give us more of a sense of the person behind the reviews. An "about" page would provide context too.
I can't figure out how to follow this blog?
ReplyDeleteAlso ditto to all of the above!
I was never interested in this movie, so it's good to know I chose right not to bother with it!
Indeed, can't figure out how to follow it either. Also, fantastically written, Gracie. It was a good time.
ReplyDeleteI love that you referred to this as "Grief Porn." There's a scholar named Linda Williams who studies the similarities between pornography and melodrama. She calls them "Body Genres." She's an entertaining read, if you haven't already encountered her in a theory class or something.
ReplyDelete