The Disappearance of Eleanor Rigby: "Them" can be both impressive and unsatisfying. As a complete narrative it feels as if some script pages were lost on their way to the printers. Short film maker writer/director Ned Benson, tries to show too much in his first attempt at a 'full feature'. I don't think seeing the two shorter versions ("Him" and "Her") would much improve any understanding on what's going down here as they simply deal with differing perceptions of the same situations. In the process of combining both views into one movie, too much is expected of the audience, making it a somewhat tiring task - not that this work would survive being much longer - it's already a longish 2hr slog but, it is a thoughtful one.
It felt as if many of the long scenes could have been shortened to allow more details of events that lead up to Eleanor's desperate grieving situation - as it is, we only learn of these through scant references from family members. From the onset we are never told if or when this couple got married, had a child or when, or why, that child died. What makes it hold together are sincere performances by the leads Jessica Chastain (also producer) and James McAvoy, helping to even-out some of the shaky bits. They receive strong support from a diverse cast that includes Belfast Born Ciaran Hinds (Amazing Grace '06) as the father of "Him" ~ French Isabelle Huppert and William Hurt as Mother and Father of "Her" (both fathers seem to have the most profound lines) Thankfully, this time reliable Viola Davis gets a touch more dialog to back up her expressive face.
The Award nominated music of Son Lux adds a haunting power along with Cinematography from Christoper Blauvelt (although some messy hand held street scenes almost ruin certain sections). The ending is interesting but just a little too inconclusive to be fully satisfying. Audience enjoyment will depend on individual patience and care for the characters.
As for Mr Benson's endless use of unnecessary course language, it seems he might need to cut-loose from his New York City circle of friends more often - where he might discover not everyone has difficulty holding an everyday conversation without a plethora of bodily function words that have nothing to do with the topic at hand. Perhaps it's time for a little more 'creative' writing & to consider appealing to a larger audience - it might pay him and the industry some dividends.
It felt as if many of the long scenes could have been shortened to allow more details of events that lead up to Eleanor's desperate grieving situation - as it is, we only learn of these through scant references from family members. From the onset we are never told if or when this couple got married, had a child or when, or why, that child died. What makes it hold together are sincere performances by the leads Jessica Chastain (also producer) and James McAvoy, helping to even-out some of the shaky bits. They receive strong support from a diverse cast that includes Belfast Born Ciaran Hinds (Amazing Grace '06) as the father of "Him" ~ French Isabelle Huppert and William Hurt as Mother and Father of "Her" (both fathers seem to have the most profound lines) Thankfully, this time reliable Viola Davis gets a touch more dialog to back up her expressive face.
The Award nominated music of Son Lux adds a haunting power along with Cinematography from Christoper Blauvelt (although some messy hand held street scenes almost ruin certain sections). The ending is interesting but just a little too inconclusive to be fully satisfying. Audience enjoyment will depend on individual patience and care for the characters.
As for Mr Benson's endless use of unnecessary course language, it seems he might need to cut-loose from his New York City circle of friends more often - where he might discover not everyone has difficulty holding an everyday conversation without a plethora of bodily function words that have nothing to do with the topic at hand. Perhaps it's time for a little more 'creative' writing & to consider appealing to a larger audience - it might pay him and the industry some dividends.