Review of Secret Window (2004) by Cody H — 09 Aug 2012
Love it or hate it, Secret Window manages to be a good film solely based on Johnny Depp's memorable performance as reclusive author Mort Rainey. He carries the entire film from its mysterious opening to its dark conclusion.
It's interesting to see things from his perspective, fearing what he fears and hating what he hates. Answers unfold as Mort discovers them, allowing the viewer to establish a connection with the character.
This is a crucial aspect to the film's structure, meaning the whole thing lives or dies by what you want Mort's outcome to be. The film keeps pace with the novella, which I enjoyed. However, the two versions part ways during the final act, and I've always preferred the literary ending over that of the film's.
The last third bogs the whole thing down by its stark departure from the tone that had been established, preventing it from becoming a really effective thriller.
This review of Secret Window (2004) was written by Cody H on 09 Aug 2012.
Secret Window has generally received mixed reviews.
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