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Nocturnal Animals



Starring: Amy Adams, Jake Gyllenhaal, Michael Shannon, Aaron Taylor-Johnson, Isla Fisher, and Armie Hammer
Directed by: Tom Ford
Screenplay by: Tom Ford
Based on the novel Tony and Susan by Austin Wright

    If you like stories within stories, this is a film for you!
    Susan (Amy Adams) is an art gallery owner.  One day she receives a manuscript of a novel written by her ex husband, Edward (Jake Gyllenhaal), a man she left nearly 20 years before.  The novel is about a man who is on vacation with his family when things turn for the worst.  The story quickly becomes violent and horrifying in some parts, turning the main character's life in a whole new direction very quickly.  As Susan reads this story, she is reminded of her life with her first husband, and is forced to confront a dark and unpleasant past.
    The story is told in two parts, both intercutting each other throughout the film.  Hence, the both of these stories progress almost simultaneously, with themes running through both stories.  The main character of Edward's novel, Tony (also played by Jake Gyllenhaal), is eerily similar in some ways as Edward.  The circumstances for Susan leaving Edward are not clear initially, and it seems like the story the novel tells may have an autobiographical tone, implying traits about Edward and his life.  The viewer can't be sure though.  The film also has flashbacks to earlier in Susan's life, when she and Edward were still together.  These flashbacks help the viewer discover who Susan is as well as help the present day Susan discover more about herself.  The viewer sees as she changes her attitude and views as the film progresses.
     The film has an artsy element to it, more so than many films do.  Some scenes, with their use of Los Angeles scenery and color scheme, suggest an almost avant-garde feel to them.  Together with other, more conventional scenes and themes, such as the wilderness and open roads of west Texas, this is a truly masterful film.
     To some viewers, this may seem like a strange film, combining elements of conventional Hollywood films with arthouse film elements.  I would argue that there are some points of Nocturnal Animals that are borderline experimental.  This film has excellent acting, excellent directing, intriguing themes, vibrant lighting and cinematography, and perhaps its best features, its brilliant writing and storytelling.  Nocturnal Animals is a film that should not be missed!

I give Nocturnal Animals an A+.


Image Source: Movienewz.com 

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