Review of Peacock (2005) by Thomas W — 05 Aug 2010

A marginally effective little psychological drama that ultimately (in the very end) becomes slightly unsatisfying. Peacock is a little-seen, almost-unheard of Hitchcockian thriller about the reisdents of a farmhouse in rural 1950's Nebraska (the town is called Peacock) after a train derails and nearly kills a mysterious woman living there.

The residents of the town are aware of a John who lives in the house ... but nobody knew that he was married! Well, he isn't ... he just likes to dress in woman's clothing and his mind is all kinds of mixed up (he isn't simply a cross-dresser).

The "woman" is called Emma and goes about the house preparing meals and getting all ready for the day before she ascends the stairs and descends again as John. It is truly odd and is rather fascinating.

Cillian Murphy (Inception, Breakfast on Pluto, Batman Begins) plays the role well -- and convincingly pulls off playing a woman (I questioned how others "couldn't see" John under the wig and makeup but Murphy creates such distinct facial mannerisms as John that it could quite possibly be pulled off).

Ellen Page (Inception, Juno), Susan Sarandon (Dead Man Walking, Bull Durham), Bill Pullman (where has he been!?!) and Josh Lucas (Poseidon, Sweet Home Alabama, Glory Road) makes up various denizens of the small burg and each pulls off his/her character.

The suspense builds slowly and the story becomes twisted as John/Emma seem to vie for control of the body. A disturbing backstory tries to explain the duel idenetity but I think it could have been a bit more developed.

All-in-all, Peacock isn't a waste of time although I wish the ending hadn't been so rushed as I think it merited a bit more time. It just kind of builds up and ends quickly.