Little terrifying tale First of all I want to begin with some on point descriptions from different reviews I've read about this movie: "little terrifying tale", "a horror movie about inner and outer darkness", "it has the feel of watching someone else's nightmare", "when Tarkovsky meets Hitchcock" - I would add Kubrick also.
Yes, this movie is all of that, and so much more. I was stunned that it not receive a single award. And that, now famous picture, where Dafoe and Pattinson shows middle finger to that whole situation is truly justified. Because they killed it. This movie is perfection. So different from anything I've watched. New way of lighting, storytelling, editing, acting, sound mixing. Filmmaking technique is exceptional. Square film frame adds to the claustrophobia and blurs the lines between physical space and head space. The way that is demonstrated wind howling, sea roaring really is terrifying, creepy and chilling. The movie is dark, and scary, but also funny. What a combo isn't it? Unbelievable. It shows what cold, isolated, rainy places bring in people. Black-and-white cinematography deepens the film's shadows and unease, sharpening their cheekbones, and their faces in close-up become more frightening.
For Dafoe we know how outstanding actor he is, but Pattinson grow on me with every new film. Every role brings on the next level. He is not here to play. These two go hand in hand.
This film is strange and will not be everyones cup of tea, but different is always good. Totally out of the comfort zone in any way. Unfairly neglected, but so much better from most movies that were prized that year. I can't recommend enough how important is to see this film.