Director: Yorgos Lanthimos
Starring: Ben Whishaw, Colin Farrell and Lea Seydoux
‘A Captivating Classic’
Not many actors in Hollywood have created movies which inspire awe like Ben Whishaw. Ever since his rise to stardom in the 1990’s, Whishaw has become a celebrated British icon. Whether it’s tech inventors, passionate writers or destructive lovers, Whishaw has portrayed countless interesting characters. Arguably, Whishaw’s greatest strength as an actor has often been his strong commitment. He is one of those actors that has often had flair for stealing the show in supporting roles with limited screen time. Whishaw has never been afraid of taking huge risks in his career by portraying complex characters which are not always likeable. Through his capability to portray characters that audiences can easily relate to, Whishaw has become an actor that audiences value. A British icon, Whishaw has become an icon whose unforgettable movies audiences cherish. Throughout his illustrious career, Whishaw has made many memorable movies which are worth talking about without a single doubt.
I’m a huge fan of Whishaw and adore all the movies he has made in his career. However, “The Lobster” is my favourite. Released in 2015, Yorgos Lanthimos’ movie offered an engaging depiction of strange hotels. Packed with breathtaking production, captivating storytelling and strong acting, it’s one of the best films ever made about dystopia. At the centre of it all is an extraordinary performance by Ben Whishaw, who portrays a helpless man stuck in a hotel. Ultimately, what makes “The Lobster” a masterpiece is its universal appeal. Unlike most movies about dystopian worlds, it tackles strong themes which everyone would relate to. A mesmerizing masterpiece about a strange hotel, there are many strong reasons why “The Lobster” is a commemorated movie worth seeing.
Set in a dystopian future, “The Lobster” tells a story of a dangerous hotel that puts the lives of people in danger. Colin Farell plays David, a single bachelor that seeks to find a romantic partner. David has always believed in power of romantic relationships which he cares about dearly. However, David’s life forever changes when he is sent to a strange hotel in search of a romantic partner. The Hotel is a restrictive setting that turns people into animals if they aren’t able to find a romantic partner in forty five days. Despite the strict rules of the hotel, David finds comfort forming friendships with fellow peers. The limping man (Ben Whishaw) is a close companion that gives David a sense of hope in a hotel which endures destruction. As all the odds are stacked against his favour, David soon begins to wonder whether it’s truly possible to overcome a hotel where it’s hard to find a romantic partner.
Yorgos Lanthimos is fascinated with the theme of dystopian worlds. A fantastic filmmaker, he has often made engaging movies about lives of individuals in a dystopian future. With “The Lobster”, however, Lanthimos made his first ever satire about hotels. It was the director’s first attempt to capture the lives of individuals in a hotel facing tragedies but he pulled it off successfully. Using stunning cinematography, Lanthimos captures a hotel enduring adversity. Inspired with Stanley Kubrick’s “The Shining”, Lanthimos effectively uses point of view shots to capture hardships that individuals trapped in a hotel are facing. For instance, POV shots enhance the hotel introduction scene. During this unforgettable scene, David is introduced towards the strange hotel during his first visit. POV shots are tricky techniques to use in films. As Sam Mendes’ “Skyfall” demonstrated, POV shots enhance James Bond movies. Through stunning visuals, Lanthimos captures tensions that individuals trapped in isolated hotels are facing.
Another admirable aspect of “The Lobster” that merits appreciation is the production. From a technical perspective, the movie is extremely well made. Taking inspiration from Wes Anderson’s “The Grand Budapest Hotel”, Lanthimos effectively uses the production of a hotel to capture the lives of romantic partners facing tension. Throughout the film, Lanthimos expertly uses the production design of hotels to capture the lives of artists that decline. For instance, the set design of hotels enhances the dance scene. During this unforgettable scene, David is introduced to the strict rules of the hotel through dance competition. Through stunning production, Lanthimos constructs a portrait of hotels that’s compelling. Moreover, the musical score is fantastic. Johnnie Burn’s music is key to the success of the movie. The music gives the film tense atmosphere through capturing the burden romantic parents bear. Through extraordinary production, Lanthimos captures the lives of romantic partners facing tension.
Storytelling is one of the central reasons why “The Lobster” is a period piece which is very engaging. The film is beautifully written, and successfully employs voice-over narration to capture the lives of romantic partners facing tension. Throughout the film, Lanthimos uses narration to capture the struggle of romantic parents that face tension. For instance, the narration elevates the opening scene. During this unforgettable scene, the short sighted woman expressed her opinions on romantic parents facing tensions. Through narration, Lanthimos demonstrates romantic partners audiences can relate to. Narration is a tricky technique to use in movies. As Rob Marshall’s “Mary Poppins Returns” suggested, narration enhances films about magical nannies. That being said, it works tremendously in this film. Through a spectacular screenplay, Lanthimos captures commemorated romantic partners experiencing grim price to pay.
One appreciates amazing performances.
Ben Whishaw delivers one of his best career performances as the Limping man. Whishaw first earned appreciation for playing poets in romantic films. With “The Lobster”, however, he took on his most eccentric role. It isn’t easy to protest a romantic partner facing adversity but he succeeded tremendously. This is the actor unlike you have ever seen him before: intense, charismatic and funny in his most memorable role. With strong expressions, he captures the angst, desperation and grief of a romantic partner facing adversity. It’s a strong performance from one of the most celebrated actors today.
While the movie is mainly a stunning showcase for Ben Whishaw, the supporting cast is also amazing and worthy of appreciations. Colin Farrell is captivating, illustrating the painful emotions of a bachelor that seeks to find a romantic partner that’s special. Rachel Weisz is remarkable, bringing charisma to a woman seeking to cherish a romantic partner she has grown to idolize. Lastly, Lea Seydoux merits appreciation. As a woman facing tension, she brings heartfelt emotion to the movie.
Finally, “The Lobster” would earn appreciation of everyone for capturing romantic bonds that face disaster. Unlike most period pieces, the movie tackles strong themes which everyone will relate to. The discusses strong themes of identity, mental health and romance which will resonate with everyone. Viewers don’t need to be familiar with hotels to appreciate it. The film delivers a strong message about trauma which would resonate with everyone. Therefore, “The Lobster” is one of those rare arthouse movies everyone would adore.
Fans of Ben Whishaw would definitely enjoy “The Lobster” and so would movie-goers seeking thoughtful entertainment. A riveting period piece, it honours an actor which is awe inspiring.
Nearly a decade following the release of a groundbreaking film about individuals seeking to find romance in a hotel, it’s a riveting reminder about a commemorated British actor with timeless stories to tell making memorable movies which excel.
5/5 stars
The Film Buff 