*mild spoilers*
John, a quirky bank clerk in Peacock, Nebraska prefers to live a life of solitude. Shortly after the passing of his mother, John develops a female split personality named Emma. She is a woman that cooks, cleans, leaves him grocery lists on the refrigerator door, and has every item he needs for work ready in the morning. No one knows the secret that John has until a train derails and comes crashing through his back yard, leaving him unconscious. John, as Emma, awakens to a whole group of confused townsfolk at the scene. However, none of them catches on. They all believe that John and Emma have been carrying on a hush-hush marriage. This, of course, becomes a problem for his private lifestyle, as she gradually becomes a helpful figure in the community.
It is unfortunate that a film with such a performance from Cillian Murphy has largely gone unnoticed. Peacock garnered no theatrical release, not even a film festival run; it went the dreaded way of straight-to-DVD last year. The story bares some resemblances to Hitchcock's classic, "Psycho"; a slow burning movie, but extremely attention grabbing, due to fascinating characters and the wonderment of where it is taking you.
Murphy is nothing short of awesome. Words cannot explain it with justice. When he transforms from John to Emma, it is not as simple as just throwing on a dress, a wig, some makeup and speaking with a higher voice. The two characters are like night and day, and at times, it feels as if you are experiencing performances from two very different people. John is an on edge, 'Crispin Glover-Willard' type character, that seems like at any moment could completely snap, or have a nervous breakdown. Emma, on the other hand, is walking tranquility, and completely kind hearted. She is a character that starts out small, but eventually has John pitted against her in a battle for identity.
The film has a solid supporting cast all around, though, no other character is given anywhere near the depth of John and Emma. Ellen Page plays Maggie, a struggling single mother trying to escape this futureless town, really by any means necessary. Susan Sarandon is Fanny Crill, wife of the town mayor (played by Keith Carradine), and owner of a shelter for young mothers and children. Page and Sarandon stand out the most, aside from Murphy, of course. Bill Pullman plays John's uncaring boss, and I think he may have a total four minutes of screen time. The same goes for Josh Lucas as the sheriff of Peacock.
This is director Michael Landers' full feature debut, and he in addition co-wrote the script. Judging from how well put together this is; he is definitely someone to keep an eye on. While a movie involving split personalities is certainly not new, this one shines with an interesting story and Cillian Murphy truly giving life to a divided character.
John, a quirky bank clerk in Peacock, Nebraska prefers to live a life of solitude. Shortly after the passing of his mother, John develops a female split personality named Emma. She is a woman that cooks, cleans, leaves him grocery lists on the refrigerator door, and has every item he needs for work ready in the morning. No one knows the secret that John has until a train derails and comes crashing through his back yard, leaving him unconscious. John, as Emma, awakens to a whole group of confused townsfolk at the scene. However, none of them catches on. They all believe that John and Emma have been carrying on a hush-hush marriage. This, of course, becomes a problem for his private lifestyle, as she gradually becomes a helpful figure in the community.
It is unfortunate that a film with such a performance from Cillian Murphy has largely gone unnoticed. Peacock garnered no theatrical release, not even a film festival run; it went the dreaded way of straight-to-DVD last year. The story bares some resemblances to Hitchcock's classic, "Psycho"; a slow burning movie, but extremely attention grabbing, due to fascinating characters and the wonderment of where it is taking you.
Murphy is nothing short of awesome. Words cannot explain it with justice. When he transforms from John to Emma, it is not as simple as just throwing on a dress, a wig, some makeup and speaking with a higher voice. The two characters are like night and day, and at times, it feels as if you are experiencing performances from two very different people. John is an on edge, 'Crispin Glover-Willard' type character, that seems like at any moment could completely snap, or have a nervous breakdown. Emma, on the other hand, is walking tranquility, and completely kind hearted. She is a character that starts out small, but eventually has John pitted against her in a battle for identity.
The film has a solid supporting cast all around, though, no other character is given anywhere near the depth of John and Emma. Ellen Page plays Maggie, a struggling single mother trying to escape this futureless town, really by any means necessary. Susan Sarandon is Fanny Crill, wife of the town mayor (played by Keith Carradine), and owner of a shelter for young mothers and children. Page and Sarandon stand out the most, aside from Murphy, of course. Bill Pullman plays John's uncaring boss, and I think he may have a total four minutes of screen time. The same goes for Josh Lucas as the sheriff of Peacock.
This is director Michael Landers' full feature debut, and he in addition co-wrote the script. Judging from how well put together this is; he is definitely someone to keep an eye on. While a movie involving split personalities is certainly not new, this one shines with an interesting story and Cillian Murphy truly giving life to a divided character.