Director Tom Ford
Genre Drama | Thriller
Cast Amy Adams, Jake Gyllenhaal, Michael Shannon, Aaron Taylor-Johnson
Rating R
Release Date December 9th, 2016
“An art gallery owner is haunted by her ex-husband’s novel, a violent thriller she interprets as a veiled threat and a symbolic revenge tale.”
Nocturnal Animals is a drama thriller directed by fashion designer Tom Ford, only his second film after 2009's A Single Man. Ford based the screenplay, which he also wrote, on the book Tony and Susan written by Austin Wright. Ford initially read the book and was so impressed by it, he immediately purchased the rights with no clear direction on when he planned to make the transition from book to the big screen. After a strong release at the 2016 Cannes Film Festival in France, Focus Pictures paid $20 million for global distribution rights after an intense bidding war. Nocturnal Animals stars Jake Gyllenhaal, Amy Adams, Michael Shannon, and Aaron Taylor-Johnson.
Nocturnal Animals is beautifully disturbing, offering viewers a must-see experience you will not soon forget. Expertly acted, smartly written, and chilling to its very core, this is what great film is all about. I had known about Nocturnal Animals for a while and I will openly admit that after watching the trailer, all I could think was, “What the **** is this movie even about?” The mystery surrounding the film is part of what makes it so great and I feel going in not knowing what to expect is without a doubt the best way to approach Nocturnal Animals. If you enjoy a deep story that requires you to use 110% of your brainpower, look no further, this is it. Without giving too much away, imagine an experience within an experience, not quite Inception but certainly to the point where the lines are blurred and you are eventually lost in it all until the final moments. What does it all mean? What is the significance? That is a question not easily answered. Accomplished fashion designer Tom Ford is officially a force to be reckoned with in the film industry. Rarely are we treated to a film with such a seamless integration of great directing, superb acting, eye-popping cinematography, and most importantly, source material determined to leave a mark with its viewers. Make some room on the red carpet come award season because Nocturnal Animals will make its presence known.
The quality of the acting in Nocturnal Animals will give you chills. I mean it is really that good. Coming as no surprise, Jake Gyllenhaal and Amy Adams are incredible in the lead roles. Gyllenhaal displays a range of emotion so impressive it almost felt like a culmination of some of his best roles throughout his career. That is a bold statement I know, but trust me on this. Michael Shannon is downright bone-chilling in a strong and impactful supporting role. As crazy as it might seem, the more I think about it the more I feel like Michael Shannon may have delivered my favorite overall performance, which says a lot considering how well everyone did. His character was complex and intense in a way that takes you by surprise. I feel like this role should put him up for some serious contention come award season. Aaron Taylor-Johnson shines in a role that feels very much like unfamiliar territory for the up-and-coming young actor so kudos to him.
Nocturnal Animals is a unique display of quality filmmaking from what is turning out to be a highly talented and fearless director. If you have read any of Tom Ford's interviews you know that he has a very strong personality and to go right out and say it, he simply does not care what people have to say about him or his work, specifically if the comments are negative or disparaging in any way. His latest work of art could certainly be considered an acquired taste by some, considering the nature of the content, but it is impossible to deny the game-changing lasting impact of Nocturnal Animals. I went to an early afternoon showing yesterday and I am still processing the deeper meaning of it all. This film will force you to use your brain and I personally can't wait to read the book. Oh and just a quick side note, the opening sequence will take you by surprise. Highly recommended.
