​FILMS

the lobster

The Lobster is an acquired taste. I normally love eating lobsters but I didn't savour this one!

2015 review number 186:

The Lobster: (Comedy/Romance/Drama/Science Fiction): 45 out of 100: Did I see the same movie as the majority of the critics and general public? 91% fresh on Rotten Tomatoes, 80 on Metacritic, an average of 7.6/10 as rated by over 10,000 IMDB users. I just didn't get what all the fuss was about. The premise sounded delicious. Single people check in to a hotel and have 45 days to find a mate otherwise they will be turned in to an animal. I had been looking forward to seeing this for a while and to say I was disappointed is an understatement. I expected a delicacy, instead I came across a lemon.

 

In a dystopian future, single people must check in to a hotel and find a romantic partner within 45 days otherwise they will be transformed into an animal of their choice. One such participant is David (Colin Farrell) who desires to be turned into a lobster if he doesn't succeed, hence the title of the movie. Other 'guests' include "Lisping Man" (John C. Reilly), "The Limping Man" (Ben Whishaw) and "Short Sighted Woman" (Rachel Weisz).

 

The story is definitely quirky, which might invite laughs from certain sections of the audience. I didn't find it funny at all which just goes to show the subjective nature of comedy. It's annoying to have Rachel Weisz's character narrating in a robotic tone, and to make it even more frustrating is to hear her comment on what we can already see on the screen. Another technique which grates on my nerves is the use of slow motion and here we have two extended scenes which don't really require the inclusion of slow motion.

 

There is a great cast but I wasn't won over by any singular performance. It looks like I am in the minority here as actors like Farrell, Whishaw and Colman have been lauded for their performances by receiving award nominations. I found that there was a lack of energy and urgency in most of the performances but it's probably the deadpan delivery of their lines which some viewers will suggest promote the subtlety of the acting craft.

 

The look of the film is stylish with exquisite cinematography and the music score with its lush, beautiful strings creates a sense of atmosphere. It's just a shame that I wasn't enthused about the story which had quite a few interesting ideas but not enough to stretch over a two hour film. This is a case of style over substance.

 

Perhaps it was the jet lag which prevented me from enjoying the film but whatever the case, you do have to be in the right mood to fully appreciate the quirks of the acting and story. I shan't be seeing it again to see if this theory is correct.

 

Starring Colin Farrell, Rachel Weisz, Ben Whishaw, Olivia Colman and John C. Reilly

(118 minutes)

Parental advice: Sex scenes, sexual references, adult themes and violence

Additional scene during or after credits: No

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z069ldsumxA (Movie trailer)

 

(Reviewed on Friday 18th December, 2015)

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