(spoiler free)
From the director of ‘Requiem for a Dream’ is both a positive & negative label to include in the posters & trailers for Darren Aronofsky’s latest film ‘mother!’. I can quite confidentially say that ‘Requiem for a Dream’ is the most depressing film I’ve ever seen and I certainly didn’t enjoy watching it. Despite this it’s impossible to ignore the numerous directorial achievements that feature in the film showcasing the talent of Aronofsky. ‘mother!’ tells the story of a young woman and her husband whose lives are disrupted when a strange couple arrive at their secluded country house.
The narrative for the film begins like a claustrophobic horror film, fairly effectively too. As the camera follows Jennifer Lawrence’s character through the house it’s truly unsettling. Every creaking floorboard and squeaking door contributes to the heightened levels of tension that audiences will no doubt experience. The film refuses to ever settle making ‘mother!’ an especially uncomfortable watch. The story develops from this initially more grounded and straightforward thriller style narrative into something completely bizarre. There’s no way to really explain this, it simply needs to be experienced. You’ll not be sure exactly just what is going on and it’ll most likely be one of the most unique films you’ve ever seen. The story is wide open for audience interpretation and whilst there is a definite intention to the writing the finer details will surely be debated upon offering much potential for discussion. I found the lack of exposition to be a little exhausting especially due to the intense content of the final act. As a result I felt the film went on a little long, however with more clarity about the writing this issue could be resolved.
Jennifer Lawrence plays the leading role here delivering one of her career highlights to date. I wouldn’t be surprised to see her name appearing in the nominations for Leading Actress come awards season. Considering the range of scenes that she has to perform in within this movie I thought she did a fantastic job of portraying one of the most interesting characters of her career. Javier Bardem stars alongside her, continuing the theme of older male co-stars romantically linked with Lawrence on screen. Bardem is predictably impressive conveying a complex character who you’re never quite sure that you understand. There is a talented supporting cast featured too including Ed Harris & Domhnall Gleeson. It’s Michelle Pfeiffer who stands out the most though through her fantastically intrusive performance that will leave you consistently shocked throughout the running time. Overall the entire cast do a tremendous job of playing their characters who reside in such a mental narrative.
This film certainly won’t be for everyone, however this should really be expected when watching a Darren Aronofsky film. He constantly pushes the boundaries of storytelling and offers a wholly unpredictable experience with ‘mother!’. The more you think about his screenplay here the better it gets, this is a film that will grow on you if you approach it free from expectations. Thematically rich, full of wonderful performances and drenched in a strangely uncomfortable yet engaging atmosphere ‘mother!’ is essential viewing for 2017.
Written by Hamish Calvert
Rating 8/10
Question: What is your favourite Darren Aronofsky film?
(Leave your answers in the comments section below!)
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