Director Guillermo Del Toro is widely known for his crafty and artistic vision on dark or relatively dark films. He also clearly has an eye for fiction and fantasy. What I’m starting to gather is that he has great concepts and ideas, but when it comes to working out the kinks and details of his story, not all comes together. His largest claim to fame (for those who have seen it) would be Pans Labyrinth. However, he did give us a few hits with the Hellboy films, bookending Pans. The Devils Backbone was well received and Pacific Rim had it’s moments, but all in all I think we’re waiting for him to give us this master class work that we all know he has in him (again exclude Pans). Crimson Peak unfortunately doesn’t give us that said masterpiece. Hopefully one of the dozen projects he works on will turn out to be the diamond among all the, not necessarily ruff, but say, metal alloy. Still pretty and looks good, just not the highest quality we all know is capable of being produced.
That being said, his visuals in Crimson Peak are undoubtedly diamond status. Everything on the actual grounds of Crimson Peak, as well as the nineteenth century setting is captured with great sets, costumes, make up, and overall crisp and clear effects. The entire film is very visually appealing to the eye, something straight out of a painting even. Like previously mentioned, the movie is very moody in its lighting, set design, and captures Del Toro’s iconic gothic feel. If he’s mastered anything, its that.
Other than perfectly capturing the gothic and dark tone of the film, there are a few issues I have overall. The ghosts, as crafty as they look, they aren’t scary. I went in to the movie expecting a drama with horror elements to it, and thats what I got. But even still, the story isn’t anything new or something we’ve never seen before. The new things Del Toro tries to bring to the table are either not given to us enough, or could simply be taken out of the story entirely. Without giving examples due to spoilers, there are just simply a few components to the film that could be exempt from the story and virtually nothing would change. I recently watched an interview with Del Toro, and it seemed that he had a specific vision for the movie, which confuses me even more so. It feels very misguided in its story, and as far as structure goes, the first act, although necessary, does not flow with the following two acts very well at all. They almost feel like two entirely different movies. The film undoubtedly picks up upon its second act in terms of story, as well as getting a look at these ghosts so often brought up. Like the set and costumes, the ghosts have a very unique look to them too.
Like this years action extravaganza Mad Max, the ghosts are given a pretty vibrant and almost gooey red to go along with the color scheme and stick out to the viewers. I enjoyed this, but it still doesn’t do enough to scare you. Despite unoriginality, its still interesting and layered. Just told a few times before. There are many mysteries to keep you hooked throughout, and it unfolds in a decently paced fashion. This unfortunately leads to another flaw. Parts of the story are revealed to the audience here and there, but a lot of it can be foreseen, so when the information is no longer a mystery, the outcome is not nearly as exciting as it should be. It’s almost like beating a video campaign for the third time. It’s enjoyable and exciting, but you already know whats coming.
But I will say this, Jessica Chastain is quickly cementing herself as one of the best actresses working today. Nothing Oscar worthy in this film, but what it does do is add to her resume of well acted roles. She’s been nominated before, but expect her name to rise very quickly to the Hollywood “A” list. Her character Lucille Sharpe is a troubled woman with a rough past, but very clever in her plotting ways. Her backstory is fascinating and adds a lot to her already compelling character. Definitely the most intriguing and well acted in the film. Her brother Thomas Sharpe, played by Tom Hiddleston does a good job here as well. An unsuccessful entrepreneur of sorts, traveling from town to town with no buyers or even interest, is filled with desperation and passion as well as a close connection with his sister. The two actors have good on screen chemistry, and each add to the mysteries of the story with their acting. Our protagonist is Edith Cushing, played by Mia Wasikowska, who marries Thomas Sharpe and moves with him to Crimson Peak and is immediately curious of its creepy ways. She has her moments as well, in fact, its really just Charlie Hunnam who I wasn’t a fan of. He really needs to work on his accents. His good looks will only get him so far. He plays Dr. Alan McMichael who grew up with Edith and has a love for her before and after she is swept off her feet by Hiddlestons character. He isn’t bad, but damn it lose the accent.
Overall the all have good on screen chemistry and play their parts from decent to very well. The main flaw is the story itself. The writing isn’t overall bad, the plot and backstory as well as the characters are all layered and interesting. It’s mainly just a tale we’ve all seen or heard before with an identity crisis. Other than the gothic eye candy, Del Toro’s Crimson Peak lacks anything original, but is still an enjoyable work of cinema nonetheless.
Rating 7/10
The Middle Seats 