Sharp script...acting could use a whetstone. :)

Rating: Null/10 (6 October 2004)

I snagged this film via good IL Netflix, and I must say that I was very pleasantly surprised. The concept and the script for this work is extremely clever and well mapped out. I've watched both the theatrical release, and the director's cut...both of which offer a solid story, with a lot of intrigue, and very clear resolutions. I do find that my preference lies with the Director's Cut on this film (always good to see what the director really wants...not the test audiences).
The look and the direction and the writing are all top work in Butterfly, but as I said above, the acting could use a whetstone.
Ashton has definitely displayed some chops in his role here, but the heaviness of the Evan character would might been better handled by someone with a bit more flex. I found myself often taken out of the experience of this film when Ashton went into "Scared Face" mode or the generic "Where Am I?" rolly eyed panic.
His awakenings, and many realizations were very forced. These are pivotal and horrifying moments in this man's life, but the reality of these events seemed played as opposed to "experienced" (no fan of 'method acting' here, but there are things that happen when one is really connected to their material properly...they get Oscars).
This isn't to rule out Ashton...he wasn't horrible...and this is definitely a huge step in the right direction to avoid the potential career trap of being "Forever Kelso". Kudos for breaking barriers like that...look what it has done for Johnny Depp!
This is surely worth the time to scope out. It will spark discussion (though not remotely as much as somewhat similar film, Donnie Darko...oy!), and certainly entertain.