Within the first five minutes of the film Jack (Daniel Day-Lewis), announces, tendentiously, to his daughter, Rose (Camilla Belle), a major theme of the film. Immediately, we are alerted not to expect subtlety here. Shortly thereafter, Rose runs dramatically to her refuge in the woods following her father's attempt to discuss his state of health, and we know director/screenwriter Rebecca Miller has no fear of filmic cliché.
There is not an honest line of dialog or credible emotion in this film. Obvious symbols and self-indulgent earnestness give the production an overwrought feel of adolescent angst. And unfortunately, this "style" extends to camera-work, which calls attention to itself at the expense of the story, and a score which should receive a "worst use of Bob Dylan" award. This is the worst film with a serious intent I have seen in years.
There is not an honest line of dialog or credible emotion in this film. Obvious symbols and self-indulgent earnestness give the production an overwrought feel of adolescent angst. And unfortunately, this "style" extends to camera-work, which calls attention to itself at the expense of the story, and a score which should receive a "worst use of Bob Dylan" award. This is the worst film with a serious intent I have seen in years.