Crimson Peak and The Lobster may not have that much in common, but they can each be split into two parts based on the location they are set, with one of those parts much stronger than the other.
In Crimson Peak, Mia Wasikowska stars as Edith Cushing, a girl ahead of her time (the 18th century) who wants to be an author. She scorns the idea of falling in love and getting married. The early scenes of the headstrong young woman, especially those showing the relationship with her father (Jim Beaver) are by far the most interesting.
In the second part of the film when Edith marries Thomas (Tom Hiddlestone) and moves to his ramshackle manor house to live with his weird sister Lucille (Jessica Chastain) is much less effective. Stylishly shot by Guillermo Del Toro it may be, but there really is nothing original on show. Familiar haunted house clichés abound, along with a very predictable plotline involving the attempted murder of Edith for her money.
Wasikowska is as good as ever, Hiddlestone is okay but Chastain is way over the top. For a film that is meant to be about ghosts they play very little part in the action and Del Toro fan boys will be aghast but Mimic remains my favourite film of his.
Crimson Peak rating: 5.5 out of 10
The Lobster is the latest effort from acclaimed Greek writer / director Yorgos Lanthimos. Set some time in the future (I think), somewhere in Europe (I think) where all single people in The City are forced to go to stay in The Hotel. They have 45 days to find a partner or will be turned into an animal of their choosing. There is no point trying to point out the absurdities of the plot, you really have to embrace the weirdness watching the film which is more reminiscent of an Eugene Ionescu play than any other film I’ve seen.
Once again, it is the first half of the film that works best. Set in the Hotel with its strange staff and inhabitants, it is very entertaining. Once you get used the stilted dialogue delivery – I assume that this was deliberate rather than caused by the director making a film not in his native language – there are same very funny moments. I will remember the line “there was blood and biscuits everywhere” (which makes no sense out of context) for a long time!
Unfortunately, when the film leaves the hotel, the pace slows and the dark comedy largely diminishes. The film is still interesting, but it feels a let down compared to the first half.
Amongst an impressive ensemble cast Colin Farrell, Jessica Barden, and especially Olivia Colman stand out.
The Lobster rating: 6 out of 10