Rated
R (Disturbing Violent and Sexual Content)
Running
Time: 1 Hour & 39 Minutes
Cast-
Mia
Wasikowska-India Stoker
Matthew
Goode -Charles Stoker
Nicole
Kidman-Evelyn Stoker
Jacki
Weaver-Aunt Gwendolyn 'Gin' Stoker
Dermot
Mulroney-Richard Stoker
Phyllis
Somerville-Mrs. McGarrick
Alden
Ehrenreich-Whip Taylor
Lucas
Till-Chris Pitts
Ralph
Brown-Sheriff Howard
Judith
Godrèche-Doctor Jacquin
 |
| South Korean director Park Chan-Wook delves into the mind of a sociopath with his latest film, "Stoker." |
Note: At Regal E-Walk Stadium 13.
From
Anthony Perkins' Norman Bates to Christian Bale's Patrick Bateman, Hollywood
has always held a deep fascination with sociopaths. Charismatic, charming, and seductive,
these individuals won't hesitate to kill you in your sleep but there's no
denying their allure on the big screen. For writers and directors, a major part
of these characters' appeal lies in deconstructing them to their bare
essentials, to peel back the layers and see what makes them tick. Critically acclaimed
South Korean director Park Chan-Wook delves into the mind of a sociopath with
his English-language debut "Stoker"…and no, it has nothing to do with
Dracula or vampires in case you were wondering. Known for his "Vengeance
Trilogy" of films (which consists of "Sympathy for Mr.
Vengeance," "Oldboy," and "Sympathy for Lady
Vengeance"), Wook has made a name for himself with the way he effectively
blends elegant visuals and traditional melodrama with bursts of extreme
violence. Although he had no personal involvement with the script,
"Stoker" doesn't stray too far from his earlier works. Bolstered by a
trio of excellent performances and immaculately framed with an atmosphere steeped
in ominous dread, Wook's latest film is a twisted coming-of-age tale that never
lets go as it explores the darkest recesses of human nature.
When her beloved
father Richard (Dermot Mulroney) dies in a mysterious car accident,
eighteen-year-old India Stoker (Mia Wasikowska) is left to contend with her
vapid, alcoholic mother Evelyn (Nicole Kidman), whom she shares a frosty
relationship with. During the funeral, Evelyn introduces India to her father's
younger brother Charlie (Matthew Goode), the uncle she never knew she had.
Taking a break from his travels around the world, Charlie moves into the Stoker
household at Evelyn's request but India can't shake the feeling that there's
something just not right about him. The sudden disappearance of housekeeper
Mrs. McGarrick (Phyllis Somerville) and later her Auntie Gin (Jacki Weaver)
only seems to confirm India's suspicions. Yet, she continues to find herself
uncontrollably drawn to him. Charlie soon takes India under his wing, awakening
a dangerous part of her psyche that has long lain dormant.
The first thing
you'll notice about "Stoker" is the way director Park Chan-Wook carefully
frames each shot. Not only are the images rich with color thanks to
cinematographer Chung-Hoon Chung but it transforms even the mundane into
something creepy and sinister. Watch as a spindly-legged spider slowly crawls
up India's stocking while she sits at the kitchen table or how Evelyn's strands
of hair dissolve into blades of swamp grass as it is being brushed. Lighting
also plays an important part in creating a sense of unease, such as when India
goes down to the basement and illuminates the hallway by swinging each light
fixture back and forth. The editing builds tension and suspense by occasionally
rearranging shots out of order (i.e. when India undresses before taking a
shower) or intercutting with brief flashbacks. In fact, the entire film is
essentially an extended flashback. Wherever you look, "Stoker" just
oozes style and it's a welcome breath of fresh air compared to the
overly-polished junk that Hollywood pushes out every weekend.
The second thing
of note is the script's writer and it's none other than Michael Scofield
himself, Wentworth Miller (with Erin Cressida Wilson contributing). This was a
surprise to me because I never knew he had it in him and apparently, he didn't
either as the script was originally sent out under a pseudonym. The story isn't
complicated and while the pacing can be on the slow side, what makes this
twisted Southern gothic so compelling is that there's so much going on
underneath the surface. The emotions being suppressed by the characters could
all violently reveal themselves at any moment. Utilizing 1943's "Shadow of
a Doubt" as a jumping-off point, the film's Hitchcock influences are clear
yet it doesn't let itself be defined by them. Although marketed as a mystery,
it's really more of a coming-of-age tale where a teenage girl on the cusp of
womanhood struggles with her identity and experiences a literally bloody
awakening. Wook and Miller play around with a number of complex themes,
fearlessly delving into taboo topics that include murder and incest while
subverting genre conventions. The relationship between mother and daughter is
already cold to begin with (India at one point remarks that Evelyn doesn't
appear to be grieving enough) but their feelings for each other soon turn into
jealous rage once Charlie enters the picture. Scenes of India interacting with
her uncle are awash with eroticism. During an intense piano duet with Charlie,
India moans with audible ecstasy as his fingers furiously move across the
keyboard. The idea that sex is intricately linked with violence is made clear
when India masturbates in the shower while reminiscing to the memory of a
murder that occurred only moments ago. Given how damaged these characters, some
may have trouble relating to them but Wook doesn't want you to do that. He
wants you to accept them for who they are. In the beginning of the film, India
narrates that 'just as a flower does not choose its color, we are not
responsible for what we have come to be.' This acceptance of self is oddly
beautiful and even romantic.
Since "Stoker" is largely driven by its
characters, casting is especially important and Wook couldn't have chosen a
better lead actress in Mia Wasikowska. She delivers an excellent performance,
her innocent exterior hiding a darkness within that is begging to be released.
The beauty of Wasikowska is her ability to say so much without saying anything
at all and it's a tough balancing act, one that she handles like a seasoned
pro. Matthew Goode's brilliant turn as the sociopathic 'Uncle Charlie' adds to
the film's seductive appeal. As he ratchets up the charm, you can't help but
fall under his spell even though you know in the back of your mind that he's
bad news. Finally, there's Nicole Kidman and although her role is small, she
gets to let loose with a killer monologue near the end where her character
angrily tells India, 'I can't wait to watch life tear you apart.' Rounding out
the rest of the cast is Dermot Mulroney, who's limited to a couple of
flashbacks, Jacki Weaver as India's jittery Auntie Gin, with Alden Ehrenreich and
Lucas Till as fellow high school classmates.
Premiering at the Sundance Film
Festival back in January and in limited release since March 1, 2013,
"Stoker" has received a lukewarm reception with 67% on Rotten
Tomatoes. Critics noted that its 'script doesn't quite carry the dramatic heft
of his earlier work, but Park Chan-Wook's [film] showcases his eye for
sumptuous imagery and his affection for dark, atmospheric narratives populated
by mysterious characters.' Due to its disturbing subject matter, the film
hasn't been given much of a wide release (so far, it's earned only $5.5 million
worldwide), which is a damn shame because this is what Hollywood should be making
more of. Also problematic are close-minded audiences and if they can't handle
it, that's on them. Wentworth Miller doesn't exactly break any new ground yet no
one can deny that "Stoker" is a beautifully executed work of art from
Park Chan-Wook. I cannot wait to see what macabre tale Wook tackles next.
Final
Rating: 4.5 out of 5
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