Films/DVD Asylum

Posted by Billy Wonka (A) on October 05, 2025 at 16:39:01

This one is for the "film for film's sake" crowd. It is an actor's movie, a production designer's movie, and a cinematographer's movie as well. The subject is dark and gray, but was lifted by fine-art framing and well-placed fantasy elements. The camera studies Day-Lewis' character close up, while occasionally focusing on Bean's bloodhound's looks. We don't quite understand the story, but know that Bean is seeking out his hermit brother living deep in an English forest. Bean is trying to lure his brother back to humanity to help save his abandoned son.

We get Hermit Ray's true story after the midpoint.

This film was, at times, hard to watch. Yet, some artistic element would keep me seated, waiting to see what was next.

I'm surprised Cannes or Venice is not all over this one. Day-Lewis does a significant amount of scenery chewing, and the creative elements are there. Perhaps the non-inclusive casting is a big negative. We'll see.