Crimson Peak

Crimson Peak was released on October 16, 2015. In 1887, ten year old Edith Cushing is visited by the ghost of her mother with a warning saying "Beware of Crimson Peak." Fourteen years later in 1901 Edith, now a budding author, falls in love with and marries the Baronet Sir Thomas Sharpe and moves to Allerdale Hall, his home in England. Soon, Edith discovers that ghosts haunt her new home and, with her mother's warning on her mind, sets out to find the truth. After watching Pan's Labyrinth I decided to try another Guillermo del Toro film so I set my sights on this. I clung to my seat for support and found myself leaning towards or away from the screen in suspension. Who knew you could get goosebumps on your feet? I remember seeing a trailer for this film on multiple trips to the theater. It did scare me but it also intrigued me. Gothic horror became common in the 20th century and spawned many novels ahead of their time such as Frankenstein, The Huntchback Of Notre Dame, and the well know written works of Edgar Allan Poe.

Sometime after falling down the rabbit hole in Alice In Wonderland, Mia Wasikowska shined as the ambitious, clever, and kind Edith Cushing. Her Experience as a child drove her to become a writer. I liked when she compared herself to Mary Shelley, who wrote Frankenstein when she was only eighteen years old. Edith is not afraid to show her work and despite others believing a woman should not write "a story with a ghost in it" she does not give up and comes up with other ways to be heard. Her strong will and curious nature make her an excellent heroine.

I have been a fan of Tom Hiddleston since 2011 so I was excited to see him onscreen. He gave an intimidating and somewhat Shakesperian performance as the dashing, charming, and well mannered Sir Thomas Sharpe. Immediately, Thomas steps into the scene with his intentions clear. He's an inventor and a romantic who soon sweeps Edith and the audience off their feet. Still, there is an immature and quiet quality about him. He has spent years trusting Lucille's judgement and control which in turn causes him to struggle with his choices as he longs to find happiness. Hiddleston actually replaced Benedict Cumberbatch for the role and del Toro decided to make a character that was less cold and more troubled. Hiddleston actually kept artwork and poems in his trailer to get into character. Who knows how the film would have been different had the character not had an actor change?

This is my first time seeing Jessica Chastain in a dark role which she successfully achieved as the intelligent, powerful, and soft spoken Lady Lucille Sharpe. As Thomas' older sister, Lucille has been a caregiver not only to him but the house since they were children. Her dominant presence and constant piano playing discretely send shivers up your spine. It is clear she is hiding something. In a time where women did not have as much power as men you cannot help but respect and sympathize with her to create her own personality especially from her sheltered childhood.

Another captivating performance was Charlie Hunnam as the kind and honest Dr. Alan McMichael. As Edith's friend since childhood he is always looking out for her and cares about her happiness. His curiosity and sharp observation skills give him an upper hand. Everyone should have a friend like Allan who is willing to listen and will stand by you even if others do not. I wish we found out more about him as his childhood and family is brushed off too soon. However, his scenes with Edith were sweet and loving. Always keep important people close.

In a minor but memorable role was Jim Beaver as Carter Cushing. As Edith's father he has made it his duty to care, provide, and protect her, questioning everything around him. The relationship between father and daughter is special. No one knows you better and will always have wisdom for you no matter how old you are. You do not always agree but it is best to listen.

In spooky performances were Doug Jones and Javier Botet as the multiple ghosts whom Edith encounters. Each one has a personality and a warning that is all their own. One unique thing is they are all red and visibly decaying right before our eyes. The only exception is Edith's mother who is completely black as she died of black cholera. Some walk, while others crawl in some way dragging themselves in disoriented ways. While they are scary they are very beautiful with each holding a distinct feature that shows how they died and continued to be tortured after.

Camera pans and close ups were used discreetly and the feeling of being trapped or lost were displayed. Edith's constant clutching to candles for light and support showed caution and fear while shadows and shapes covered the dark walls. Alan's features were focused more as he himself struggled with the mystery and missing Edith. One fun fact is the house was built as a set with many rooms, stairs, a working elevator and a CGI hole in the ceiling showing the house falling apart. In addition to the color of ghosts, red was used everywhere as clay oozed out of walls, sinks, and stained the snow outside. The house slowly appeared to be bleeding. Chastain and Hiddleston discussed a time when they arrived on set early only to find it empty and it was eerie being there alone. Furniture was given great measure as well. Each piece of furniture was given a duplicate. In scenes where a character had to appear strong and dominant the item was small but if a character was weak and vulnerable the item was large. Sadly the grand house had to be torn down after production wrapped.

One significant theme i found important was the discussion of sexuality. In many Gothic stories the male character displays the interest in sex more but in this film it was the female characters with the interest. Edith represented the innocent virgin but her love and desire for her husband was passionate as she pertained confidence and sincerity. The choice to consummate the marriage was between Edith and Thomas. No one else. On the flip side the story from Lucille is more sheltered and repressed as she was frowned from displaying what was not "normal." Her subtle jealousy is touched upon as more answers arise. Another theme is choices. Thomas clearly grew up making very little choices and seemed to not "get your hands dirty." He in turn grew his confidence and character arc greatly. Edith made it clear from the beginning that she wanted to write and knew what to write about. Others commented on her work by saying she should write about love instead but she did not listen. She was referred to as "our very own Jane Austen" but as I mentioned before her preference is Mary Shelley. One element about the film I enjoyed was the slow pacing. It gradually gets us into the story and we get to know each character before before diving right in. More films should do this as we pay attention to small detail. Guillermo del Toro wanted to make a unique horror film that was beautiful as it was frightening. Take caution as this film is rated R for language, bloody violence, nudity, and horrific imagery. If you're in the mood for a story with ghosts I recommend Crimson Peak.