Genres

Visitors Review

rabbitmoon 2012-05-19 14:38:15

Intelligent and thoughtful

A lesser production about the West's story would have probably gone forSe7en style moods and grisly gory details. A horror.Fortunately, and far more rewardingly for any engaged viewer, the storyfocuses on a human relationship story whilst allowing the imaginationto piece together events in the background.The dynamics of the relationship are fascinating, more-so because theyare true. In the final analysis, that Janet (the appropriate adult)allowed herself to be manipulated and seduced by Fred West is achilling illustration of the true nature of what we are dealing withhere. The thought that this same psychological treatment would have ledcountless others into his trust, and ultimately their deaths, is farmore terrifying in its cold reality than any conscious attempts at"horror" could have been.Janet doesn't only represent the victims but also the vast majority ofnormal human beings - vulnerable to emotional needs, a willing andoptimistic mindset, and the inability to always separate imaginationfrom reality.A very fascinating angle on a difficult subject.

jlthornb 2012-05-19 00:13:39

Perhaps Emily Watson's Finest Performance

Emily Watson, one of the great actors of our time, gives a superbperformance as Janet Leach that may well be the finest work she hasever done. She is nothing less than hypnotic here as she lays bare thesoul of a vulnerable woman who is involved in an experience she iscompletely unprepared for. While the portrait of Leach is profound andan incredible achievement, Watson doesn't get in our faces with herACTING because she is almost invisible as she disappears into thecharacter. What a truly memorable, stunning performance this is. Theentire cast is excellent, as are all elements of the production,including writing and direction. However, it is Emily Watson whoelevates this film to an artistic level of depth and realism that makesit totally riveting. There is no attempt by Watson to draw attention toherself and "steal" the film. "Gosford Park" is another example of howshe shines in an ensemble piece and it naturally becomes her showcase.Her style is not flashy enough and far too superbly subtle to winOscars. There isn't the teeth gnashing PERFORMANCE style of a CharlizeTheron in "Monster", the sort of Halle Berry one-shot fluke that bringshome the gold. Watson is an artist in the truest sense and it's herwork alone that is her reward. In this film, what she does is soextraordinary, even for her, that perhaps the praise of critics willthis time cause award committees and voters to take note of an actorthey have too long overlooked because she never yells "look at me!" Atany rate, reward yourself by watching an excellent film with anoutstanding actress at her best, as usual.