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Guillermo del Toro knows how to construct a superior movie. Nightmare Alley is well-crafted in every way. First, the visuals are striking because the lighting, colors, and framing are precise. The camerawork is controlled yet constantly engaged. Next, the sound design is noteworthy because clever J-cuts and voiceovers help strike a mood, plus a ticking watch sound becomes a motif. The production design is equally impressive as it not only sets the time period, but also the gloomy tone. Furthermore, the dynamic editing, evocative effects, and ominous music reinforce a truly atmospheric experience.
Meanwhile, the cast of Nightmare Alley drives the film. Dafoe, Blanchett, Collette, Mara, and Perlman all deliver sturdy support, but it is Bradley Cooper who seals the deal. Cooper provides a layered performance that evolves naturally and expresses significant range. Cooper continues building on his character until the final scene, when all his layers erupt to the forefront. Additionally, the script aids this by carefully setting up the payoff of that finale in more ways than one. Ultimately, because the story is intriguing, the performances are igniting, and the filmmaking is engaging, Nightmare Alley is a trip worth taking.
Writing: 8/10
Direction: 10/10
Cinematography: 9/10
Acting: 9/10
Editing: 8/10
Sound: 9/10
Score/Soundtrack: 8/10
Production Design: 9/10
Casting: 9/10
Effects: 8/10
Overall Score: 8.7/10
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2022
15
Director: Guillermo Del Toro
Starring: Bradley Cooper, Cate Blanchett, Toni Colette, Willem Defoe, Richard Jenkins, Rooney Mara, Ron Pearlman, etc.
An ambitious carny with a talent for manipulating people with a few well chosen words. Hooks up with a female psychiatrist who is even more dangerous then he is. This movie for the most part was very strong.
The cinematography, set design and lighting was truly spectacular and some of the strongest I have seen, definitely awards worthy within these categories, with such a distinct visual style and creative use of editing and camerawork. The use of gore was very shocking and effective. The uncomfortable and intense tone was executed very well. With a great sense of mystery throughout. The directing from Del Toro was fantastic. There was a lot of interesting elements surrounding circus performers and how they execute all of their tricks. The performances were very strong. Particularly from Rooney Mara and Toni Colette. Plus Bradley Cooper and Cate Blanchett were incredible here. The plot and character development was strong, and the final act was intense, shocking and had a powerful message, showcasing the worst parts of a person and highlighting how there are always consequences to someone's actions and a repeated cycle of destruction.
I did have a few problems with the film though. There was some underdeveloped plot points, especially between the different characters relationships. There was some pacing issues, particularly in the first act, and there was for me a lack of character depth where I often had trouble connecting with the characters.
Overall, Nightmare Alley isn't Del Toro's strongest work due to the lengthy runtime and occasionally slipping into style over substance with its characters. But is still a stylish, visually stunning and shocking experience of a film. With incredible performances, and insightful and interesting themes that are explored in a fascinating way.
Overall Score 81/100.
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N'ayant vu que les deux volets d'Hellboy, le deuxième volet de la trilogie Blade, Pacific Rim et sans oublier La Forme de l'eau qui a été le dernier film que j'ai vu fait par Guillermo Del Toro mais j'ai bien l'envie de creuser sur ces autres œuvres aimant ce qu'il fait et il a une patte qui rappelle Tim Burton pour son côté fantasy mais fait de manière plus dur et à une vision assez obscur du genre qu'il fait.
Pour ce qui de Nightmare Alley dont j'ai bien aimé le film en lui-même et je suis pour l'instant satisfait des films que j'ai vu de ce réalisateur qui a vraiment de la volonté en matière de mise en scène et narration qui arrive à être efficace jusqu'au bout. J'ai vraiment trouvé le film intéressant ayant des thématiques qui sont certes du déjà vu mais il le fait en bien.
Sans parler d'un Willem Dafoe qui aime surjoué malgré qu'il soit sage ne s'emballement pas comme il jouait le Green Goblin de la trilogie Spider-Man de Sam Raimi et sans parlé un Bradley Cooper dont son rôle est fait avec brillot et j'ai trouvé tout le casting au top avec une Cat Blanchett investie dans son rôle et de Ron Perlman qui fait souvent ce qu'il a fait connaître ayant joué Hellboy. Bref pour moi c'est un film riche en intrigue et en métaphore comme le fait souvent Guillermo Del Toro et on sent qu'il a voulut faire autre chose que ce qu'il a l'habitude de faire étant souvent concentré sur la fantasy.
By @darkkev95
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