Dark Waters (Todd Haynes)

[Grouchy]

https://scontent.faep9-1.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/69915300_481780329069913_44471 58856543371264_n.jpg?_nc_cat=1 08&_nc_sid=8024bb&_nc_eui2=AeE_Jg6wYRE5KRq-4yM-xq3MGyvvLQWPIpexpWrVJX64FNWSYw Jim5og9gqN0KILCZHCrpPdpnNj0Mbt oh6mYm_FkQfel2dyaq7WX3CUwsJuHg&_nc_ohc=ssqYtU39t5YAX_8Z7J9&_nc_ht=scontent.faep9-1.fna&oh=8b04b885def311235440b754f11 bcbe3&oe=5E94E60D

[Grouchy]

This is one of those "based on a true story" films where the real life tale is so incredible that it overshadows the filmmaking possibilities up to a point - how much expressive direction would be needed to render this unrealistic? And Haynes, who is not typically a director who steps back, knows this. He mixes just the right cocktail of stylishness and sobriety. Ruffallo is an incredibly relatable protagonist and, while the film might not be the most memorable overall as a work of art, it works as effective, dramatic information. I would have found a different title, though - it reminds me too much of Hideo Nakata's ghost movie while not doing enough for this story.

[Peng]

The script is by no means bad, but still the least of recent "They Let It Happen" docu-drama films like Spotlight or The Report, falling into cliche dramatic tropes around the protagonist more often (for one, a better film would reconfigure Hathaway's character down radically, rather than have her stuck in-between on a thankless supporting awards wife role like this). But it might be the best directed of all three, making me wish Haynes could get to elevate every one of these dryly compelling films through sheer craftmanship and his auteurist semiotic style. Watching this feels akin to having been dipped into the poisoned water ourselves, the aesthetic of sickly green environment and dark corporate/household menace enveloping us completely, so overwhelming to the point that even a light at the end of this long tunnel can't completely wash the apocalyptic muck away. 7.5/10