Although Michael Shannon does an amazing job in “Take Shelter,” the script, written by director Jeff Nichols, doesn’t play fair with the audience. For 95 percent of the running time, Nichols builds a strong case that Curtis (Shannon) is developing mental problems. And, then, at the conclusion, you’re left with the possibility that, well, maybe he’s not crazy after all…or is he? In addition, the story develops at a snail’s pace and, at two hours, seems overly long.
Curtis is a skilled construction worker with a wife (Jessica Chastain), a daughter and a dog. He is a seemingly happy man, but there’s one big problem. Curtis is having menacing dreams in which an impending storm threatens to destroy his family. The dreams vary in content, but they’re ominous enough that Curtis begins to confuse them for reality and he’s frantic to keep his family safe. At the same time, Curtis suspects that he’s sick and is determined to seek treatment. Nonetheless, he can’t shake the conviction that his fears have meaning. Shannon is wonderful as a man whose mind and life seem to unravel before our eyes. You feel sorry for him even as you’re also afraid of him. On one hand, it’s possible to see this story as an allegory for a looming disaster – economic or environmental – with its accompanying anxiety. If so, then perhaps the script makes a little more sense. On the other hand, given the parameters of the story, the ambiguity of the ending is bothersome. 11/17/11
2 comments:
This very unusual film was not fun to watch, it had no meaningful message and there was nothing memorable to reflect on. What was the point allowed this movie to be made in the first place? Very confusing and meaningless???
loved it
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