Movie Review - Crimson Peak

Crimson Peak

2015

Double Dare You / Legendary Entertainment : Universal Pictures International / Universal Pictures Home Entertainment

9.5 / 10

While watching this beautiful motion picture one thought kept flickering through my mind; this is what a modern Hammer film should look like - it so reminded me of the classic '60's and '70's films.

Guillermo Del Torro has created another masterpiece filled with vivid and beautiful imagery and superb transitions between the light - happy - and dark -eerie - atmospheres, which work well on the emotions.  Along with superb acting from the cast and a potent story, with the help of Matthew Robins, we are given the tale of twisted love and greed, which builds slowly with twists and turns throughout.

What always surprises me most is that Del Torro takes some of the nastiest parts of the human psyche and the violent actions they include and shows them in such a gorgeous way while never glorifying or condoning them is amazing.

This is the story of Edith Cushing, lovingly portrayed by Mia Wasikowska, a solitary and intelligent woman trying to make her way as an author in a man's world.  She meets and falls in love with Thomas Sharpe, played elegantly by Tom Hiddleston, who is in town trying to raise funds for his mining machine from her father, Carter Cushing, who is admirably portrayed by Jim Beaver.  However, her father doesn't like Thomas and does everything he can to stand in the way of their relationship.  It's only after his death that Edith is free to wed Thomas and move out to Crimson Peak.

As the days pass, Edith begins to realise that maybe her father was right, there's something not quite right with Thomas and his sister Lucille, strongly portrayed by Jessica Chastain... or the house they live in...

I fell in love with this film right from the start.  It's so stylish with its lighting, camera angles, and sound, that it fits perfectly with the era in which it's set.  Even the End Credits are beautiful to behold.  There are a lot of directors trying too hard to be stylish and here Del Torro makes it appear effortless.  The special effects are really good, the one scene where the ghost is dragging itself up and along the floor is pretty creepy.  I also liked the effect of the clay on the snow, turning it blood red, that was a nice touch.

I would recommend this movie to everyone - it now resides at the top of my favourite Del Torro movies.