This is one of those films you just have to love. But I wonder why Mr. E. E. Merhige chose this to be his second film, after his ground-breaking and artistically explosive debut "Begotten" some ten years earlier. Begotten displayed evidence of pure talent and originality, and most of all a rebellion against mainstream (Hollywood) cinema. This film, on the other hand, is a straight-forward story, lacking in originality even when compared to some recent Hollywood products. Why will an artist reduce himself from a Bunuel to a Tim Burton?
The acting makes the film. Dafoe is great as Max Schreck, although perhaps a bit over-acting at times. Malkovich makes a superb german "Herr Doktor" with a flawless german accent. Udo Kier is as stale and uninspired as always (we love him though). But the real star here is Eddie Izzard, who pulls of a remarkable portrait of "Gustav". It's totally impossible to take him seriously, even for a second, but he gives the film so much - his subtle facial expressions are priceless.
Finally, I must give a hand to Dan Jones on his fantastic score, the most extraordinarily beautiful american film music in years. This is probably not the last we've heard from this aspiring composer.
Nice film, see it.
The acting makes the film. Dafoe is great as Max Schreck, although perhaps a bit over-acting at times. Malkovich makes a superb german "Herr Doktor" with a flawless german accent. Udo Kier is as stale and uninspired as always (we love him though). But the real star here is Eddie Izzard, who pulls of a remarkable portrait of "Gustav". It's totally impossible to take him seriously, even for a second, but he gives the film so much - his subtle facial expressions are priceless.
Finally, I must give a hand to Dan Jones on his fantastic score, the most extraordinarily beautiful american film music in years. This is probably not the last we've heard from this aspiring composer.
Nice film, see it.