Writer/Director: Guillermo Del Toro
Starring: Bradley Cooper, Cate Blanchett and Rooney Mara
‘A Meaningful Masterpiece’
Not many actresses have managed to get a fan following as big as Cate Blanchett. Ever since her recognition in 1990’s, Blanchett has become an icon. Whether it’s lesbian lovers, political leaders or bold teachers, Blanchett has portrayed countless strong characters. Arguably, Blanchett’s greatest strength as an actress has always been her undying commitment to her craft. She is one of those rare actresses that has always had a talent for stealing the show in supporting roles that have limited screen-time. Through her capability to portray strong characters that are compelling, Blanchett has created a legacy that’s lasting. Although she is best known for her iconic role in the Lord of the Rings movies, Blanchett has proven she can make great films in practically every genre. Throughout her career, Blanchett has made many memorable movies which are worth talking about.
I’m a big fan of Blanchett and adore all the movies which she has made in her career. However, “Nightmare Alley” is definitely my favourite. Released in 2021, Guillermo Del Toro’s movie offered a powerful remake of a classic noir film. Packed with breathtaking production-design, engrossing storytelling and phenomenal acting, it’s one of the best remakes ever made. At the centre of it all is an amazing performance by Cate Blanchett, who embodies a femme fatale experiencing regrets. Ultimately, what makes “Nightmare Alley” a masterpiece is its universal appeal. Unlike the original, it tackles strong themes which everyone will relate to. A mesmerizing masterpiece about alcohol addiction, there are several strong reasons why “Nightmare Alley” is worth seeing.
“Nightmare Alley” tells story of a menacing carnival man that faced adversity. Bradley Cooper portrays Stanton Carlisle, a brave carnival man with talent for performing con crimes with style. Stanton has always had a lifelong addiction to alcohol which he loves with affection. However, Stanton’s life soon changes when he is turned out of a carnival in a disaster. Hooking up with psychologist Dr. Lilith Ritter (Cate Blanchett), Stanton is determined to find life satisfaction. As odds are stacked against his favour, Stanton is forced to wonder whether it’s possible for him to truly become a successful carnival performer. Facing a nightmare, Stanton is forced to question whether it’s possible to attain success in a profession about which he used to care.
Guillermo Del Toro is fascinated with themes of obsession. A renowned director, Del Toro has often made engaging movies about the lives of addicts facing disaster. His award-winning film “Pan’s Labyrinth” offered a bold portrait of children seeking to survive in a war-torn country. With “Nightmare Alley”, however, Del Toro made his first remake. It was the filmmaker’s first attempt to remake a celebrated noir movie but he succeeded. Evoking Billy Wilder’s “Double Indemnity”, Del Toro effectively uses point-of view shots to capture the hardships that con-artists go through. For instance, POV shots enhance the carnival performance scene. During this unforgettable scene, Stanton engages in his first ever carnival performance. Using POV shots, Del Toro creates a portrait of carnival performers that’s compelling. POV shots are complex techniques. As Martin Scorsese’s “The Aviator” suggested, POV shots often elevate biopics about aviators. However, it works immensely. Using captivating visuals, Del Toro honours a film about bold carnival performers that are engaging.
Another strong aspect of “Nightmare Alley” that merits appreciation is the production. From a technical perspective, the movie is well made. Inspired with Alfred Hitchcock’s “Shadow of a Doubt”, Del Toro successfully uses costumes to illustrate femme fatales that face doubt. Throughout the movie, Dr. Lilith Ritter’s costumes demonstrate her role as a femme fatale which faces adversities. For instance, costumes elevate the therapy scene. During this memorable scene, Lilith engages in a therapy session. Using strong costumes, Del Toro constructs a portrait of femme fatales that’s compelling. Moreover, the musical score is phenomenal. Nathan Johnson’s music is key to the success of the movie. It gives the movie tense atmosphere capturing the heavy burden that therapists bear. Through stunning production, Del Toro captures alcohol addiction.
Storytelling is one of the main reasons why “Nightmare Alley” is a movie about therapy which is engaging. The movie is beautifully written, and expertly uses silence to capture the lives of alcoholics that seek experience. Inspired with Martin Scorsese’s “The Age of Innocence”, Del Toro effectively uses silence to capture alcoholics that face disturbance. For instance, silence enhances the therapist reactions scene. During this haunting scene, Stanton faces a moment of silence when he discovers the harsh reality of his profession. Through silence, Del Toro creates a portrait of alcoholism which audiences can relate to. Silence is a tricky technique to use in films. As Richard Eyre’s “Notes on a Scandal” did demonstrate clearly, silence enhances films about scandals. Nevertheless, it works well in this film. Through a screenplay, Del Toro captures alcohol addicts that experience a price to pay.
One appreciates amazing performances.
Cate Blanchett gives one of her best career performances as Dr. Lilith Ritter. Blanchett earned appreciation for playing tormented women in dramas. With “Nightmare Alley”, however, she took on her most complex role. It isn’t easy to portray a femme fatale that faces tragedy but she succeeds immensely. This is the actress unlike you’ve ever seen her before: intense, emotional and riveting in her most iconic role. With bold expressions, she captured the ambition, desperation and grief of a woman that endures mental health tensions. It’s a phenomenal performance by one of the most commemorated actresses in Hollywood today.
While the movie is a stunning showcase for Blanchett, the supporting cast is also great and worthy of appreciation. Bradley Cooper is captivating, capturing the larger than life nature of a performer that’s under pressure. Toni Collette is captivating, capturing regret of a woman engaging in crime that is hard to forget. Lastly, Willem Dafoe is deserving of appreciation. As a con-artist, he brings an air of mystery to the movie.
Finally, “Nightmare Alley” would achieve the appreciation of everyone for capturing the lives of women facing adversity. Unlike most noir films, it tackles strong themes everyone would relate to. It discusses strong themes of identity, mental health and trauma which will resonate with everyone. Viewers aren’t required to be familiar with the original film to appreciate it. It delivers a message about alcohol addiction which would resonate with everyone. Therefore “Nightmare Alley” is one of those rare movies about alcoholism everyone would adore.
Fans of Cate Blanchett will absolutely enjoy “Nightmare Alley” and so will movie-goers seeking exhilarating entertainment. A bold person piece, it honours an actress that is engaging.
Nearly 5 years following the release of a groundbreaking noir film about carnival performers facing a nightmare, it’s a riveting reminder of commemorated actress that has built a successful career through her abilities to portray compelling characters in unforgettable movies about which audiences commonly care.
5/5 stars
The Film Buff 