​FILMS

crimson peak

2015 review number 154:

Crimson Peak: (Drama/Horror): 74 out of 100: Guillermo del Toro has made some visually stunning films over the years including Pan's Labyrinth, Hellboy and Pacific Rim, and this gothic drama is no different. Don't be misled by the trailer which promotes the horror elements of this movie for if you are expecting scares and thrills, you will be severely disappointed. Devotees of period pieces would enjoy this more than horror enthusiasts.

 

Ever since she was a child, aspiring author Edith Cushing (Mia Wasikowska) has been plagued by visions of her dead mother warning her of a place called Crimson Peak. A mysterious gentleman from England named Thomas Sharpe (Tom Hiddleston) comes into her life when he attempts to sell his invention to her father, Carter (Jim Beaver). He becomes enamoured with her and she is overwhelmed by his charms. They marry and he takes her to Crimson Peak where he lives with his sister Lucille Sharpe (Jessica Chastain). Edith's childhood friend, Dr. Alan McMichael (Charlie Hunnam) still has feelings for her and is wary of the Sharpes, who might not be what they seem.

 

This is a visual feast. It's such a beautiful movie to look at. The costumes are sumptuous, elegantly demonstrating the fashions around the beginning of the 20th century. The characters are beautifully photographed, with the occasional red hues representing the title. An Oscar nomination for the production design seems likely, with the sets bringing the story to life. Guillermo del Toro's fluid camera movements ensure that the visuals are showcased in all their glory.

 

All the visuals do come at the expense at some of the trite dialogue that has been written by del Toro and Matthew Robbins. The exchanges in conversation have that soap opera feel, so this might be more of a gothic melodrama than gothic drama. However, you do have to applaud del Toro's decision to make a different type of film that encompasses different genres.

 

This is not really the type of movie for the actors to shine because they are outclassed by the technical features of the production. Chastain is the highlight with her mood swings allowing her to display a range of emotions. Hiddleston and Wasikowska don't really provide the chemistry to draw in the viewer to believe that they really love each other. That's probably as a direct result of the dialogue they are given.

 

The music score by Fernando Velázquez is exceptional. Beautiful orchestrations to promote the romantic angle make it moving at times. The jump scares during the horror scenes are served by the obligatory violin screech. The music capably supports the visuals.

 

It's easy for Crimson Peak to divide viewers as style definitely wins over substance. What style there is though to make this one of the most visually stunning films of 2015. Embrace what you see and not the words you hear, and don't expect a genuine horror film to fully appreciate it.

 

Starring Mia Wasikowska, Tom Hiddleston, Jessica Chastain and Charlie Hunnam

(119 minutes)

Parental advice: Violence, coarse language, sex scenes and adult themes

Additional scene during or after credits: Yes, during the credits there are images of the Crimson Peak house with the camera finally zooming out of the novel entitled "Crimson Peak".

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6yAbFYbi8XU (Movie trailer)

(Reviewed on Wednesday 14th October, 2015)

 

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