I don't mind films that deal with disturbing material, as long as I get a sense of the methods behind their madness. I'm sure the director wasn't intending to make an exploitative softcore S & M flick. I mean, the film doesn't even contain that much nudity. But the film just left me dry, with a bad taste in my mouth. I knew this wasn't supposed to be the feel-good movie of the year, but I thought I would at least get more of a sense of the characters' motivations. I never fully got a sense of why the two main characters were into these fetishistic S & M acts. True, the film is different. True, the film is daring. But it didn't really lead anywhere. I had the same feeling after watching "Blue Velvet," which also dealt with a female character who enjoyed being abused.
The actors are not to blame. Maggie Gyllenhaal gives as human a portrayal of her character as possible. And I always enjoy James Spader, who lately I don't see too often in the movies.
The movie has a mildly promising beginning, and I can't say I "hated" it, but it was an overall unsatisfying experience, with a premise that could've been put to good use.
My score: 5 (out of 10)
The actors are not to blame. Maggie Gyllenhaal gives as human a portrayal of her character as possible. And I always enjoy James Spader, who lately I don't see too often in the movies.
The movie has a mildly promising beginning, and I can't say I "hated" it, but it was an overall unsatisfying experience, with a premise that could've been put to good use.
My score: 5 (out of 10)