Fantastic Mind Bender

Rating: Null/10 (27 February 2003)

I recently rented this movie after hearing the cover of Tears For Fears song Mad World. This song was so haunting in itself, I had to see the movie. What a gem of a film! This movie stayed in my head for the next couple of days as I tried to piece together what I had seen. Tons of symbolism, and interpretations that all vary with the view. I watched this with two other people, and we all noticed very different details.
This movie is not a horror film as I thought it was going to be by the previews, and plot. I though it was going to be more of a drama/horror, as it turns out the movie much more of a sci-fi having to do with time travel. As well as asking and challenging questions of our lives path, and divine intervention. And what happens when in this life we experience love and fear, which are the dominant emotions throughout the film. Also does some great explorations of suburban life in a dark dysfunctional way.
The soundtrack/score is absolutely stunning. The use of 80s popular, and obscurities and the old analog instruments of the score add to the entire atmosphere of the film. All of these elements set the mood for the ride.

Cinematography is beautiful, and ominous at the same time. Lots of interesting pans, sequences that draw you into the film. Every location feels connected but worlds apart from the look of the various terrains used. The location of the movie helps to setup the mood that continues throughout.
Great performances from all involved, I like to see well known actors take small supporting rolls in independent films, it shows passion and devotion to the art they perform.
Richard Kelly is a fantastic director/writer. I can't wait for his next film, and hope he continues to write and direct in the style of such directors as Terri Gilliam, and David Lynch. He leaves much for the viewer to conclude on your own. After watching the movie once, check the deleted scenes from the DVD, and you will see why many of them had been left out.
This was my favorite movie of 2003, wish I had been up on the original theater release. 10 out of 10.