Review of Stoker (2013) by Nathan M — 17 Feb 2014

Park Chan Wook's English language debut is a decadent stylistic overdose.

I was only slimly able to maintain focus on the characters, as the stylistic accents are laid on thick and shamelessly. About half the time I was a bit distracted by them. Don't get me wrong, I love this director's style. The meticulous imagery, artful editing, and intentionally heightened sound effects are all glimmering specimens of bold style when taken individually. There's just too much of it.

The story and film are too much of a Hitchcock fanfic reel. Hitchcock's "Shadow of a Doubt," "Psycho," and just general Hitchcock themes like charming, yet unraveled male characters, strong females (in the vein of Grace Kelly and Eva Marie Saint), and mothers leaving something to be desired are all present. However, in contrast to the master of suspense, much of the suspense built in the film has its thunder stolen by frequent, unambiguous wish fulfillment.

The acting performances are almost too much. It's not that there's an indication of an acting ability deficit, but the performances are so heightened and deliberate, that I have trouble taking them or the story completely seriously. Nicole Kidman is far too reliant on facial expressions. In fact, there is too much glaring and glowering from everybody, as gorgeous as everyone's blue, with hazel accented eyes are. I get it, we are visiting dark souls here, I don't need a reminder.

Wasikowska's India is a badass character by design, but like most characters in the film, she isn't very likable. I would say that watching her true character become revealed to the audience is the most interesting part of the film. I am not sure if it's really an arc, so much as an unveiling and a picking up of a dark baton. This story is basically about her graduation from hunting fowl to bigger game.

I have massive respect for the style and bravery of one Park Chan Wook. I do think a joint tonic of a less familiar-feeling story and some directorial moderation would have elevated the piece beyond what I'd call a piece of cult candy. (16 February 2014).