Yes, it sounds very exciting and I am sure he will pull off this character brilliantly. I will read the novel soon. And I like Campions's work as well. I just bought the first series of "Top of the Lake" which sounds very interesting. 
 

Wow, so much amazing news about the film. It will be presented at no less than 6 major festivals. It will be opening feature in Venice and at London Film Festival. I am just re-reading the book and it is so, so good. 

I've seen it mentioned recently in the press, but only as part of a larger article that also discussed other films. But I'm always looking out for news about Benedict's films!

I just realized the other day that it's one of two films of Benedict's that is playing at TIFF this year, and he's going to be here in Toronto...but I have a feeling that because of COVID protocols that this year's red carpets are only open to journalists. I might check just in case, because I'd love to see him in person and get a photo (even if it's from far away - I saw Eddie Redmayne from far away at the festival on the red carpet for The Aeronauts back in 2019 and I cherish those photos even if they aren't very good).

I am very excited for the film and happy that it will be on Netflix as of tomorrow. Going to the cinema feels too dangerous at the moment. 

I've watched it on Netflix and thought it was fantastic!  I see what you mean about the big screen, Besleybean.  It did look stunning even on a little one, but so many long shots of scenery that would have worked so well on a bigger one!  It was quite slow, but gripping, always ominous (the music helped), with the feeling throughout that you're going to see somebody do something awful!  I really enjoyed all the foreshadowing and symbolism.  Benedict was great, of course, and fantastic performances all round really.  Worth the Netflix sub! 

I have similar worries about going to the cinema, Susi.  I did go recently and wore a reusuable FFP2 mask throughout, but it was a bit nervewracking that people sat so close and hardly anyone was wearing a face covering.  And coughing in the cinema is now more unnerving than it used to be!   We've only just had masks come back in for shops and public transport but sadly not for cinemas!

Last edited by Liberty (December 2, 2021 9:08 pm)

I understand what you're saying, but I don't see it as perpetual fear any more, just making appropriate risk assessments!  I'm very vulnerable, unfortunately, and I am at fairly high risk in my day to day work, so try to keep it a bit safer in my free time.    I've seen the effects of worsening of my conditions and it's really just not worth it.  I think about one in 60 people are infected in the UK at the moment, so the chances of coming across it are pretty high!  I would feel much more confident if other people were wearing masks, but when I went I think it was only our party who were wearing them.  Very different to the spring when we were all distanced and had to wear masks throughout the showing!  And much lower cases back in those halcyon days! 

I would love to know what line was cut for the Neflix version, if you don't mind sharing! 

Sounds like it's good to have a second watch.  I'm going to put some comments in spoilers.

Yes, the foreshadowing!  With the beginning comments, I did think that we were going to see Peter do something terrible, possibly even murder somebody, with the comments about protecting his mum.  I was so convinced by the vivisection and the parallel with cow carcass earlier that it was going to be something rather gory and surgical - it turned out not in the end - more medical than surgical!   And I had my doubts as the film went on, wondering if he was developing a genuine relationship with Phil (and maybe he was, in a way) and bonding over their grief and loss, and that I'd got the wrong end of the stick, despite all the hints (e.g. about Peter's father saying he was, I can't remember, cold? Too strong?).  

I can't remember how Phil got the hand injury which was key to the outcome.  How did that happen?

Lots of symbolism and parallels that I still have to get my head around:
- the vivisection and the butchering of the cows
- the castration, and possibly all the other stuff about homophobia
- Peter's surgical gloves (when handling the rope!) and Rose's gloves when she gave away the hides
- the rope that Phil was making and the rope that Peter's father hung himself by
- the hides, and the poisoned hide
- the grief of the different characters
And I'm sure much more.

I loved the characters!  Peter developing and playing the long game with his plan - I did not guess what his plan was, but it fitted so well with everything else, but I felt the actor really showed the character growing and becoming more confident and determined in what he'd set out to do. 

Benedict's portrayal was amazing.  What an unpleasant guy, but so compelling and sympathetic as well.  I loved his voice.  And that walk!

Jesse Plemon and Kirsten Dunst were great too.

The story really reminded me of Ruth Rendell's psychological thrillers - it made me think of one where you know who the murderer is at the beginning but have to read on to find out who the victim was!.

I kept hearing that Benedict prepared for the role by not washing! 

 

Last edited by Liberty (December 3, 2021 5:54 pm)

No need to apologise!  You weren't to know, and I think even most people who know me forget anyway, because I don't have anything obvious. 

Good to get the truth on the washing and not speaking stories! 

Thanks for your PM!  I love films like this that really get you thinking!


 

I watched the film three times so far and keep discovering new things. I think it is a masterpiece in so many respects: acting, writing, cinematography, music, set design, just everything. I am very much in favour of the changes they made to the novel, leaving out much of the Gordons's story because it would have been too much for one film. 
And do not get me started on the actors, what a beautiful talented ensemble cast. Of course Benedict is close to my heart and I wish him all the awards but they are all perfect in their own right. 
A dark story indeed but it did not depress me because it is such an amazing film. 


P.S. I would be interested in the cut line as well.

 

Last edited by SusiGo (December 17, 2021 2:27 pm)