Review of Nocturnal Animals (2016) by Mark K — 09 Feb 2017

Excellent 2nd feature film from the talented Mr. Ford.

Adams is radiant as ever, in her most vulnerable performance. Gyllenhaal also looks quite different here, as a tormented traveler through West Texas.

Shannon (who must be the busiest actor in the business at the moment) is given a meaty role as a sympathetic Lawman, and Taylor-Johnson is indelible as a vicious cat-and-mouse criminal...a far cry from his turn in "Nowhere Boy.".

"Nocturnal" features striking scenes which disturb but keep intrigued viewers glued to their seats. Unique art-work is shown through-out, arranged magnificently. The story itself lingers long after the last awkward shot, straight out of "Bitter Moon" territory. This is definitely a Kierkegaard kind of film: it reveals more and more afterward than it does as it progresses.

A film that should be quite rewarding with repeated views. I'm looking forward to a second look, after pondering the first. Subtle clues abound, to be sure.