Intense experience!

Rating: 8/10 (8 September 2018)

I am shocked at the number of 1/10 reviews for this film, and not because I don't expect difficult films to be misunderstood by a lot of people, but because this is 1. a film by a director notorious for making films like this, and 2. because it's fairly obvious throughout that the film is not to be taken at face value. From the very first shots of the film we're told we're going to be dealing with heavy allegory and symbolism. If anyone didn't get that, it's entirely their fault. If anyone has seen any of Aronofsky's other films and expected something other than the type of experience this movie provides, it's entirely their fault.
That's not to say you have to like or appreciate this film. But I see a lot of people who seem to dislike it because they didn't get it or thought it was pretentious. That's honestly lazy. Art is almost synonymous with pretense. I hate to be that guy, but if you can't handle that, you're best sticking with safe films that don't ever stray outside the surface level narrative comfort zone. God forbid anyone try to make a film that does something different, explores ideas through unconventional means. I think people want to have their cake and eat it too: they like the idea of films that are different but then when they actually see one that is profoundly different, their reaction is to say "WTF, I want my 2 hours back!"
Suffice it to say, this is a crazy film. I was really impressed with all aspects of the production. I honestly went into this expecting to hate it. As a full disclosure, I am definitely not a fan of Jennifer Lawrence. I find her to be one of the most overrated actresses of all time and I had yet to see her do anything that remotely impressed me. I won't say that I now love her, but she did really well here, as did the rest of the cast. The direction and staging of every scene is incredibly well done. The characters are all so adeptly calculated to be as loathsome as possible. Michelle Pfiefer's character in particular will probably just make you seethe with hatred every time you see her. And that's the point! On a certain level I understand why some people hate this movie, because it's supposed to frustrate you. If you can't get past that, then look elsewhere. If you are the kind of person who can really look through your reflexive reactions and see the intent of the film, know that it is trying to have a certain effect on you, and allow yourself to appreciate how well it is doing that, then this is probably your movie.