countchocula
10-03-2002, 07:22 PM
http://images.amazon.com/images/P/B00006ADFL.01.LZZZZZZZ.jpg
I realize that this isn’t a horror film per se, but I feel that it belongs here. Not only is it directed by God (aka Peter Jackson), but it also features many horrific sequences that offer more chills than your standard “horror” film. Based on actual events, Heavenly Creatures spins a tragic yarn about two lonely girls, Pauline (Melanie Lynskey) and Juliet (Kate Winslet), who connect on a deep, spiritual level. Their close friendship evolves into something…closer, which motivates their parents to separate them since homosexuality is, of course, beyond sinful (Keep in mind, we’re set in the ‘50s. That’s not to say that narrow-minded Puritans don’t walk amongst us today, but some tolerance has managed to crop up over the years). In the hands of almost any other director, this could have been trite and indistinguishable from countless dramas aired on Lifetime, but Peter Jackson’s brilliance bleeds through here. As with Guillermo Del Toro, the man can tackle any genre, and create something truly unique. While watching this gripping film, I could barely wrap my mind around the fact that the same guy helmed Bad Taste, a kinetic splatter/comedy. PJ doesn’t just show the lives of these two girls from a cold, external point of view, he delves DEEP into their psyches. Their thoughts and emotions are interpreted visually for the viewer. We’re treated to poetic imagery and some astounding special effects. CGI is employed on occasion, but considering that this film was made in 1994, it looks pretty fucking good! Also, the crisp cinematography helps establish a surreal atmosphere. So from a technical standpoint, you couldn’t ask for better production values.
The performances are authentic all around. Winslet and Lynskey are 100% convincing as misunderstood confidantes. Their chemistry is undeniable. The adult characters are all played well, and even though their screen time is limited, they’re given well-rounded personalities. Not everyone is strict and uptight. At times, we actually sympathize with them, as their lives virtually crumble before them. They sit and watch their daughters descend into what they conceive as insanity, and they’re also dispirited by matrimonial struggles (the divorce subplot was very engaging). The dialogue is always sharp, but in all honesty, we don’t need any. The visuals are so compelling, that had this been a silent film, I still would have felt every emotion that I was supposed to. However, I did spot minor setbacks. To those who haven’t seen this film yet, avert your eyes, for this is where SPOILERS come into play (in fact, skip the rest of this paragraph altogether). It would seem as though Pauline is the main character, but I wanted both girls to receive equal screen time. Maybe it’s just me, but I didn’t feel that Juliet got enough exposure. In particular, her stay at the hospital needed more emphasis. We spend the majority of that time period with Pauline and her sexual awakening, which involves a frivolous side character. Then again, I could have subconsciously just wanted to see more of Winslet. Another complaint I have has to do with the gore factor. No, I didn’t want more of it. Every thirty minutes or so, the film would take a break from the drama to indulge in senseless violence. I don’t know if Jackson was just trying to remind everyone that he was responsible for Dead Alive, or if he was just having fun, but whatever the reasoning, it was a distraction. A claymation figure being sliced in half cheapens the film, in my opinion.
With those shortcomings aside, I really dug Heavenly Creatures. It squeezes your intestines with distressing tragedies, and then soothes your senses with pristine, otherworldly imagery. Next up on my PJ chopping list is Meet the Feebles, which I’m sure will be just as moving and touching as this film (tee-hee).
My rating-4/5
I realize that this isn’t a horror film per se, but I feel that it belongs here. Not only is it directed by God (aka Peter Jackson), but it also features many horrific sequences that offer more chills than your standard “horror” film. Based on actual events, Heavenly Creatures spins a tragic yarn about two lonely girls, Pauline (Melanie Lynskey) and Juliet (Kate Winslet), who connect on a deep, spiritual level. Their close friendship evolves into something…closer, which motivates their parents to separate them since homosexuality is, of course, beyond sinful (Keep in mind, we’re set in the ‘50s. That’s not to say that narrow-minded Puritans don’t walk amongst us today, but some tolerance has managed to crop up over the years). In the hands of almost any other director, this could have been trite and indistinguishable from countless dramas aired on Lifetime, but Peter Jackson’s brilliance bleeds through here. As with Guillermo Del Toro, the man can tackle any genre, and create something truly unique. While watching this gripping film, I could barely wrap my mind around the fact that the same guy helmed Bad Taste, a kinetic splatter/comedy. PJ doesn’t just show the lives of these two girls from a cold, external point of view, he delves DEEP into their psyches. Their thoughts and emotions are interpreted visually for the viewer. We’re treated to poetic imagery and some astounding special effects. CGI is employed on occasion, but considering that this film was made in 1994, it looks pretty fucking good! Also, the crisp cinematography helps establish a surreal atmosphere. So from a technical standpoint, you couldn’t ask for better production values.
The performances are authentic all around. Winslet and Lynskey are 100% convincing as misunderstood confidantes. Their chemistry is undeniable. The adult characters are all played well, and even though their screen time is limited, they’re given well-rounded personalities. Not everyone is strict and uptight. At times, we actually sympathize with them, as their lives virtually crumble before them. They sit and watch their daughters descend into what they conceive as insanity, and they’re also dispirited by matrimonial struggles (the divorce subplot was very engaging). The dialogue is always sharp, but in all honesty, we don’t need any. The visuals are so compelling, that had this been a silent film, I still would have felt every emotion that I was supposed to. However, I did spot minor setbacks. To those who haven’t seen this film yet, avert your eyes, for this is where SPOILERS come into play (in fact, skip the rest of this paragraph altogether). It would seem as though Pauline is the main character, but I wanted both girls to receive equal screen time. Maybe it’s just me, but I didn’t feel that Juliet got enough exposure. In particular, her stay at the hospital needed more emphasis. We spend the majority of that time period with Pauline and her sexual awakening, which involves a frivolous side character. Then again, I could have subconsciously just wanted to see more of Winslet. Another complaint I have has to do with the gore factor. No, I didn’t want more of it. Every thirty minutes or so, the film would take a break from the drama to indulge in senseless violence. I don’t know if Jackson was just trying to remind everyone that he was responsible for Dead Alive, or if he was just having fun, but whatever the reasoning, it was a distraction. A claymation figure being sliced in half cheapens the film, in my opinion.
With those shortcomings aside, I really dug Heavenly Creatures. It squeezes your intestines with distressing tragedies, and then soothes your senses with pristine, otherworldly imagery. Next up on my PJ chopping list is Meet the Feebles, which I’m sure will be just as moving and touching as this film (tee-hee).
My rating-4/5