
THE PALE BLUE EYE MOVIE REVIEW:
"The Pale Blue Eye" is a haunting and atmospheric thriller that delves into the darker recesses of the human heart. Written and directed by Scott Cooper and starring Christian Bale, the film takes place in the rugged Hudson Valley of 1830, and is suffused with a sense of bleak mid-winterness. The story revolves around a cadet at the West Point Military Academy who is found dead with his heart cut out, and the retired lawman enlisted to investigate the murder.
Bale plays Augustus Landor, a solitary widower and former lawman who is drawn into the investigation. Landor is a complex and nuanced character, prone to melancholy and dry wit, and Bale gives a subtle and slightly enigmatic performance. The film also features Harry Melling as a young Edgar Allan Poe, who is taken under Landor's wing and becomes an important part of the investigation.
The story is adapted from a novel by Louis Bayard, and it is a mystery that features a limited cast of characters and suspects, but it also serves as a powerful tale of loss and wrong-headed resolution. The film pays homage to the real-life figure who would become the creator of the American detective story, while also exploring the darker aspects of human nature.
The cinematography by Masanobu Takayanagi is stunning, capturing the beauty and harshness of the Hudson Valley in a grayscale that is occasionally broken up by flashes of blue water and the blue uniforms of the cadets. The film is a slow burn, building tension and atmosphere as the mystery unfolds.
Overall, "The Pale Blue Eye" is a gripping and thought-provoking thriller that will keep you on the edge of your seat until the very end. It is a must-see for fans of Christian Bale and Edgar Allan Poe, as well as anyone who enjoys a good mystery.
Scott Cooper's "The Pale Blue Eye" is a highly anticipated adaptation of Louis Bayard's novel, set to be one of 2023's most underrated gems despite its January release on Netflix. The film boasts a star-studded cast, including Christian Bale, Harry Melling, Gillian Anderson, Lucy Bonton, Toby Jones, and Robert Duvall. Set in the 1830s, the story follows Augustus Landor as he investigates a string of murders at West Point Academy, with the help of a young cadet who will later become the renowned Edgar Allen Poe. The film delves into the mystery of the murders, while also exploring the enigma surrounding Poe's character, and whether he is a suspect or simply obsessed with the mythology of the killings. Both Bale and Melling deliver powerful performances, with Melling giving his best career performance as Poe.
The film's cinematography, utilizing natural lighting and a dreary color palette, creates a dark and ominous atmosphere fitting for the story. The film is also shot in real snowy locations, adding to the realism of the film. While the pacing may be slow for some, the engaging mystery and unexpected finale make for a captivating viewing experience.
The film is a reminder of the value of original content, and the opportunity provided by platforms like Netflix for filmmakers like Cooper to create unique and meaningful stories.
cinematography and natural lighting that creates a dark and ominous tone throughout the film. The film also showcases real locations, even in the snowy setting, which is a rarity in today's industry.
Though the pacing may be slow at times, the compelling mystery and surprising finale make it well worth the watch. Thanks to platforms like Netflix,
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do you think reading movie reviews is considered a spoiler alert?