The Pale Blue Eye

This movie kept me hooked from the very beginning to the last scene. The atmosphere is mind-blowing, especially when watched during a winter night. The costumes felt very authentic and the cast did amazing job, especially Christian Bale as a detective and Harry Melling (who has become one of my favorite actors) as Edgar Allan Poe.

Another thing I must mention is the screenplay. The writers do not exaggerate the info-dumping and let the on-screen actions tell the story instead, which felt very natural. Some may complain about the runtime or the movie being boring. But although the opening is slow, it was necessary to build up the characters and establish a brilliantly twisted climax.

To me, "The Pale Blue Eye" seemed better than most other films of this genre that are being made by Hollywood these days.

Overall, I spent an enjoyable 2 hours and would recommend to anyone who is looking for a decent murder-mystery movie.

This movie at the heart of it, is a 19th century detective thriller with a twist. Set in the 1800s in a non-fictional location (West Point), with a non-fictional character (Edgar Allan Poe), in a fictional situation, makes for one engrossing & original story.

A very solid performance by both Christian Bale & Harry Melling. They brought their characters into the screen so convincingly. Both their performances where a stand-out.

Who would have thought that the boy who played Dudley Dursley (Harry Melling) in the "Harry Potter" movies would turn out to be such a great actor. His performance matches that of Christian Bale throughout the movie. IMO, Melling even outshining Bale. Such is the quality of Melling's portrayal.

The narrative is well paced, and beautifully shot. The set, costumes, and the old English dialogue, suits the period perfectly, and adds to the authenticity of the movie. This movie is not only a joy to watch but also to listen to. A directorial masterpiece by Scott Cooper.

VERDICT: If you like detective thrillers with a twist, then you'll love this movie. Highly recommended.

Without reading the book that it was adapted from, I can tell this was probably better to read than watch. I say this, mainly, because the gothic atmosphere was just enough. But I wanted more. I wanted to feel the dread that the setting and narrative eludes to. That feeling would come and go. Perhaps that had to do with the pacing, which matched the icy, winter setting. Though slow, it gave me the time to take in visual aspects of this film. I believe that's one of the strengths that it has. Harry Melling's abnormally sunken features played a role in the uneasiness I felt as viewer. I really wanted more of Poe's works, especially from the Tell-Tale Heart, to play a role alongside Bale and Melling. I was excited to hear that heart beating under the floorboard. But it never came.

Reminds me of Tim Burton's The legend of Sleepy Hallow. Its not as dark and scary as Burton's movie , but it is somehow more mature and realistic science wise. Great cinematic appeal , what makes it beautiful is this chilly, gothic lonely and at times frozen in time scenery which is breathtaking in this movie. No fake Green studious or design sets and obvious film stages, its all real nature with rich scenes. Its a A dark mystery that cuts deep, and leaves you empty once you understand the painful ending. Bale did good , getting old with his skills but he delivers. All in all this movie is worth two hours of your time.

Movie is an okay gothic mystery... but Christian Bale is the god of acting. And Harry Melling does a fantastic job too! Not to mention Gillian Anderson... so 10/10 for the casting and actors. It's worth watching this movie just because of them.

Script wise not a remarkable story in any ways, but it's solidly executed and the very belivable performance of the actors is what makes or breaks it in this case... and they all quite delightfully deliver! So yes, if you like spooky mysteries but mostly want to get blown away by some serious acting performances -this is the movie for you. Honestly the plot is kinda mediocre, but the acting so unproportionally stellar that i cannot in good conscience not recommend to watch this!