Nocturnal Animals had some early Oscar buzz
but it fizzled at the box office and reviews were mixed. And rightly so. This
is a very weird, rather cold movie. And yet oddly compelling at times. The
acting is superb. Amy Adams is truly excellent. She should be Oscar nominated
for Arrival, but she shows her versatility with this film too.
The initial opening of the film credits is wacky. I truly thought,
“What the heck is going on?” Turns out it was an art opening and Amy is the
gallery owner. However, she and her husband (played by Armie Hammer – just there
to look awesome) have a troubled marriage and they are living the façade of
luxury while drowning in debt. It’s tough to maintain appearance in the fancy
crowd. Amy does weary well and we feel how jaded she’s become.
She gets a book delivery – an early copy from her former
husband, played by Jake Gyllenhaal. As she reads her “disguised story” In
flashback we see them meet, fall in love, defy her parents, exude exuberance
for life, and then she screws it up with Armie. Is this book revenge?
There’s definitely a lot of twisted junk going on. The acting is really good
and I liked Jake a lot. He’s the sensitive poor writer that the parents do not
think are worthy of their daughter. Well snobbery can backfire.
Tom Ford, the designer, directed this film. It is quite
posed with beautiful people, but it’s cold. Perhaps that’s the point. I can’t
say I liked this film – not at all. I can’t recommend it. I know I see some
weird crap…some of it I can give a thumbs up. Nocturnal Animals
is ultimately a thumbs down. Consider this a public service review. I am saving
you. You are welcome.
