I don't think this is altogether terrible, but it just didn't turn out right. Exemplifying the point, I know very well what a skilled, capable actress Jennifer Jason Leigh is. We see glimmers of that skill here, yet between Matthew Chapman's direction that often comes across as either lethargic or unpracticed, and specific choices in Penelope Shaw's editing, sometimes her performance feels distinctly forced. Add in sometimes overzealous cinematography, and frankly terrible dialogue and scene writing, and 'Heart of Midnight' struggles to attain real value. There are some very good if very dark ideas here, but also some questionable ones, including the ending. While the movie aims to weave together a grim realist thriller with concrete and sometimes delightfully surrealist horror underpinnings, rarely does it elicit meaningful feelings of either. There are also times when the picture seems to be discretely reaching for psychological horror-thriller ambitions, yet such a tack requires definite subtlety and a delicate hand; as both writer and director, Chapman's effort just feels sadly empty.
I can see how much earnest effort the cast is applying, Leigh above all but certainly also including Peter Coyote; their efforts just fall flat in light of the weak writing and direction that dampens the value of their contributions and sometimes makes them look outright foolish. I certainly see what Chapman was trying to do, and I don't doubt his sincerity, but he just lacked the capability to really pull the feature together in this instance. Crew behind the scenes broadly put in good work; I quite like the production design and art direction, and the costume design. On the other hand, the effects range from splendidly imaginative or well done to a little tired. The original score of Yanni (!) is quite excellent, lending some atmosphere that the title otherwise has difficulty achieving. Yet how much do such facets really matter when the feature is so troubled more more substantial ways? Even some major beats play off without the weight they should carry. This includes the climax; the last twenty minutes are written well, I think, and include a fine performance by Gale Mayron, but still the full power of the material simply isn't there.
I don't dislike 'Heart of Midnight.' It tries; it comes close. "Almost" just won't cut it, however, and what strength the film can claim is severely counterbalanced by significant deficiencies. It's still mildly absorbing, and a decent way to spend ninety minutes, but unless you're a major fan of someone that's involved, I wouldn't say this is a must-see. Major content warnings are on hand for themes of trauma, sexual assault, abuse, and more; provided these are no obstacle, it's okay if you come across it. Regrettably, 'Heart of Midnight' just lacks the polish and intelligence to really work as we see it.
I can see how much earnest effort the cast is applying, Leigh above all but certainly also including Peter Coyote; their efforts just fall flat in light of the weak writing and direction that dampens the value of their contributions and sometimes makes them look outright foolish. I certainly see what Chapman was trying to do, and I don't doubt his sincerity, but he just lacked the capability to really pull the feature together in this instance. Crew behind the scenes broadly put in good work; I quite like the production design and art direction, and the costume design. On the other hand, the effects range from splendidly imaginative or well done to a little tired. The original score of Yanni (!) is quite excellent, lending some atmosphere that the title otherwise has difficulty achieving. Yet how much do such facets really matter when the feature is so troubled more more substantial ways? Even some major beats play off without the weight they should carry. This includes the climax; the last twenty minutes are written well, I think, and include a fine performance by Gale Mayron, but still the full power of the material simply isn't there.
I don't dislike 'Heart of Midnight.' It tries; it comes close. "Almost" just won't cut it, however, and what strength the film can claim is severely counterbalanced by significant deficiencies. It's still mildly absorbing, and a decent way to spend ninety minutes, but unless you're a major fan of someone that's involved, I wouldn't say this is a must-see. Major content warnings are on hand for themes of trauma, sexual assault, abuse, and more; provided these are no obstacle, it's okay if you come across it. Regrettably, 'Heart of Midnight' just lacks the polish and intelligence to really work as we see it.