I've been excited to see Stoker ever since I heard it would be director Chan-Wook Park's Hollywood debut. I'm a big fan of his cult hit Oldboy and Sympathy for Lady Vengeance. His stories always make you squirm uncomfortably, but his visual style, biting sense of dark humor, and his grace in leading his actors is unmatched. His vision is as distinct as Quentin Tarantino, but his humor lies in the wry subtleties of human nature rather than the visual feast that unfolds onscreen. I sincerely hope that he and his oft-partner cinematographer Chung-Hoon Chung get more of the recognition they deserve.
Stoker unfortunately falters in terms of story. I actually wish I hadn't seen the preview before going into the movie, because the movie generally feels like an elongated version of the movie trailer. Park usually has a hand in the screenplay and story of the movie, but perhaps because this is his English debut, this time the writing was left to Wentworth Miller in his own writing debut (in case the name sounds familiar, you may more readily recognize him from the title role of hit tv series Prison Break).
Mia Wasikowska plays India Stoker, a girl on the cusp of maturity on many different levels. Her father has just died in a horrible accident, precluding the appearance of a mysterious uncle whom she's never heard of before. His arrival tips the domino of events that were hovering over the edge.
Stoker unfortunately falters in terms of story. I actually wish I hadn't seen the preview before going into the movie, because the movie generally feels like an elongated version of the movie trailer. Park usually has a hand in the screenplay and story of the movie, but perhaps because this is his English debut, this time the writing was left to Wentworth Miller in his own writing debut (in case the name sounds familiar, you may more readily recognize him from the title role of hit tv series Prison Break).
Mia Wasikowska plays India Stoker, a girl on the cusp of maturity on many different levels. Her father has just died in a horrible accident, precluding the appearance of a mysterious uncle whom she's never heard of before. His arrival tips the domino of events that were hovering over the edge.
There's nothing about this story that surprises you. There's no large twist or unpredictable plot device. And perhaps this is a testament to Park's skill, because the movie still manages to ensnare its audience. It's so rich in sounds, symbols, and colors that I wouldn't hesitate to watch it again and again. There are some images that I want to capture for more than the brief moment we're allowed in its presence.
The movie goes beyond the literary coming of age for India. The claustrophobic winding staircases, the saddle shoes that symbolize her childhood innocence, the playground motif, as well as the recurring image of the spider with its dual role of ensnaring and being trapped all intensify the movie without overdoing it.
The movie is evocative of both Hitchcock and Lynch. The sound editing and cinematography are pretty stunning.
The movie goes beyond the literary coming of age for India. The claustrophobic winding staircases, the saddle shoes that symbolize her childhood innocence, the playground motif, as well as the recurring image of the spider with its dual role of ensnaring and being trapped all intensify the movie without overdoing it.
The movie is evocative of both Hitchcock and Lynch. The sound editing and cinematography are pretty stunning.
Stoker also has a stunning cast. I had my doubts about Wasikowska after her dull turn as Alice in Wonderland, but I'm happy to be proven wrong in this movie. Although Wasikowska plays a detached character, she does it with mastery and a hint of what's brewing underneath in a revelatory manner. Nicole Kidman and Matthew Goode are pitch perfect. All of the dark humor here is in the quirk of Goode's lips. The script is so-so, but the simmering suspense that cloaks the atmosphere here makes up for it. There are so many elements that are left ambiguous in the story, but I think the movie is strengthened by its nebulous quality.
Don't see this movie for the story. See it for the style.
Don't see this movie for the story. See it for the style.
