"Head Above Water" is underrated. Despite its simplicity, it is a different movie experience. Why? Well, for one thing, there are very few movies with such few number of actors and characters, being Walt Disney's "Old Yeller" one of those rarities. But that's not all. The movie is classified as a macabre comedy but contains lots of suspense and is more of a thriller. Its events almost resemble what happens in the later "What Lies Benneath".
Yes, "Head Above Water" has its moments of comedy. Some are light comedy, but most of them are black humor. People should beware of this. And it's not too much to remind that this movie can be shocking at times and also deals with very serious stuff, such as fear, panic, horror, sadism, violence and death. Nevertheless, it is very far from being a movie of extremes like "A Clockwork Orange" is and is certainly way more comfortable and pleasant to watch, but it can be a disturbing film.
Speaking of the moments of comedy, one of the most hilarious is when George gets in the house, closes the door and has a tantrum attack, cursing what's happening to him. But the funniest moments come, in majority, from Lance and Nathalie. I also like very much the way how Lance makes George and Nathalie have a bad time while trying to get rid of Kent's body (without Lance knowing) and the part when Nathalie throws Lance to the water, followed by Nathalie swimming. That's when one of the movie's hottest scenes happen: she gives Lance a love kiss under the water. Later, when Lance asks «What was that today? Us, under the water?», it's funny how she replies «Old times» and then he replies almost laughing «Old times? I don't remember that part».
Where "Head Above Water" takes place is unknown. But I've got to tell this: that is a beautiful island which can only be reached by boat. It has a very relaxing and beautiful atmosphere, surrounded only by the infinitive sea and the island's natural beauty. Not to mention that the house of this movie is humble and nice. It really makes one wanna spend holidays in such a wonderful place.
As for the characters, Lance is an interesting, humorous and friendly character. But I also admire his pacific spirit and his capacity to hide his emotions and feelings. He's secretly in love with Nathalie, but he knows that she's a married woman, so he wouldn't cross that line. Craig Sheffer portrays very well this character.
Nathalie is a loving and beautiful woman. I love her funny facial expressions and her smile. But she's also an extremely depressed and frightened woman. It's impossible not to feel sorry for her. This is by far one of Cameron Diaz's finest performances. This was before she got really famous. Back then she seemed to be a better actress and used to play better movie roles. Anyway, here she is just as good as in "The Mask". And boy, she looks equally gorgeous in this film! Those blue eyes, that pretty hair, those long and sexy legs and a smile to die for... wow!
George, on the other hand, seems to be a nice guy at first, but as the movie runs he slowly reveals being a psychopath. Despite being a judge, his sadism grows stronger as the movie runs. Nevertheless, Harvey Keitel is great in this film. For me, he has never been this good, before or after.
As for Kent, he's a cool character, but also a very depressed one with an alcohol problem and a heart's weakness. Billy Zane's performance as Kent is good, but with a slight problem: sometimes it's difficult to understand what is he saying. Also, he seems to "chew" his words sometimes.
This movie has one of the strongest plots of all time. The story is strong, thrilling, dramatic, simple yet completely unpredictable, complex and confusing. The mystery of Kent's death is present practically all over the movie. While undeniably confusing, the conclusion I get is that George knew that Kent sent the postcard, knew he was coming and put it on Lance's mailbox to frame him. He also does that to avoid Nathalie from knowing the truth and, knowing he was coming, he plans secretly (and successfully) Kent's death. Both Lance and Nathalie become innocent victims of George's macabre scheme.
"Head Above Water" is in general carefully made, with lots of attention to detail. While it has lots of solid arguments, its soundtrack is nothing special.
Yes, "Head Above Water" has its moments of comedy. Some are light comedy, but most of them are black humor. People should beware of this. And it's not too much to remind that this movie can be shocking at times and also deals with very serious stuff, such as fear, panic, horror, sadism, violence and death. Nevertheless, it is very far from being a movie of extremes like "A Clockwork Orange" is and is certainly way more comfortable and pleasant to watch, but it can be a disturbing film.
Speaking of the moments of comedy, one of the most hilarious is when George gets in the house, closes the door and has a tantrum attack, cursing what's happening to him. But the funniest moments come, in majority, from Lance and Nathalie. I also like very much the way how Lance makes George and Nathalie have a bad time while trying to get rid of Kent's body (without Lance knowing) and the part when Nathalie throws Lance to the water, followed by Nathalie swimming. That's when one of the movie's hottest scenes happen: she gives Lance a love kiss under the water. Later, when Lance asks «What was that today? Us, under the water?», it's funny how she replies «Old times» and then he replies almost laughing «Old times? I don't remember that part».
Where "Head Above Water" takes place is unknown. But I've got to tell this: that is a beautiful island which can only be reached by boat. It has a very relaxing and beautiful atmosphere, surrounded only by the infinitive sea and the island's natural beauty. Not to mention that the house of this movie is humble and nice. It really makes one wanna spend holidays in such a wonderful place.
As for the characters, Lance is an interesting, humorous and friendly character. But I also admire his pacific spirit and his capacity to hide his emotions and feelings. He's secretly in love with Nathalie, but he knows that she's a married woman, so he wouldn't cross that line. Craig Sheffer portrays very well this character.
Nathalie is a loving and beautiful woman. I love her funny facial expressions and her smile. But she's also an extremely depressed and frightened woman. It's impossible not to feel sorry for her. This is by far one of Cameron Diaz's finest performances. This was before she got really famous. Back then she seemed to be a better actress and used to play better movie roles. Anyway, here she is just as good as in "The Mask". And boy, she looks equally gorgeous in this film! Those blue eyes, that pretty hair, those long and sexy legs and a smile to die for... wow!
George, on the other hand, seems to be a nice guy at first, but as the movie runs he slowly reveals being a psychopath. Despite being a judge, his sadism grows stronger as the movie runs. Nevertheless, Harvey Keitel is great in this film. For me, he has never been this good, before or after.
As for Kent, he's a cool character, but also a very depressed one with an alcohol problem and a heart's weakness. Billy Zane's performance as Kent is good, but with a slight problem: sometimes it's difficult to understand what is he saying. Also, he seems to "chew" his words sometimes.
This movie has one of the strongest plots of all time. The story is strong, thrilling, dramatic, simple yet completely unpredictable, complex and confusing. The mystery of Kent's death is present practically all over the movie. While undeniably confusing, the conclusion I get is that George knew that Kent sent the postcard, knew he was coming and put it on Lance's mailbox to frame him. He also does that to avoid Nathalie from knowing the truth and, knowing he was coming, he plans secretly (and successfully) Kent's death. Both Lance and Nathalie become innocent victims of George's macabre scheme.
"Head Above Water" is in general carefully made, with lots of attention to detail. While it has lots of solid arguments, its soundtrack is nothing special.