Kaleidoscope

Tries at times to be an exercise in Pinter but fails. Too little dialogue and whilst the acting is good it's far from demanding on the actors. Overall disappointing as both actors can produce better.

I watched Kaleidoscope because I love Anne Reid. The fact that Toby Jones starred was simply a bonus. As expected, the acting was wonderful. However, Toby's brother, Rupert Jones, contributed direction that was slow paced. I believe the kind term is "deliberate." Even given the heightened subject matter, the pace decreased any urgency created. This made the one hour and 40 minute running time seem much, much longer. Perhaps he was aiming for a slow burn. The burn simply didn't light. I do like the a-ha at the ending. The fact that not all questions are answered is also a plus.

Is it worth the slog? Sure. Reid and Toby Jones are great, as always. Just be prepared for a not-entirely-satisfactory cinematic experience.

The plot might be considered confusing, although I understood it, felt very empty in alot of ways. Now the movie isn't bad and does have a subtle layer to it but it just never gets going. Some of the imagery is great and it's not shot badly at all. I think characters work on a more believable level. What I think doesn't work about the movie is that it's not really a horror or a thriller. It has potential to grip you but it fails to do so. It takes time to set every thing up but then never has the pay off. Some critics will say its underrated because its quirky ideas to story telling. To wider audience it will never hit. I think 5/10 is fair enough score but I can see it going either way. I wouod recommend you see this film however as it does take a different approach

Captivating and suspenseful from beginning to end. If they remade Eraserhead, Toby would get the lead. If you liked this, check out 'Dead man's shoes.'

Toby Jones plays Carl, an ex-convict who meets a woman online around the same time as his mother visits. The story is told out of episodic order, and includes brief flashbacks to memories of Carl's father and how he came by the titular kaleidoscope. There are some inspired shots, comparing a monolithic tower block and a three-sided staircase to the view through the toy. There are a few short scenes away from Carl's flat. There are almost incidental mentions of Carl's plan to have his own gardening business that add nothing to the plot, maybe even distract from it. There is a shabby ending, which destroys any tension or suspense the story had. Wonderful to look at but as hollow and unfilling as a chocolate egg.