I expected so much more from this movie. But where was the scintillating dialogue? Where were the zingers between speakers? It was all so basic and obvious. That said, though, the performances were spectacular. Jodie Foster, especially, was wonderful. From the moment we see her on screen, we appreciate how tightly-wound she is, how hard she's working to keep up appearances of being one half of the "perfect couple". Her disintegration is spectacular.
Next, kudos to Christoph Waltz. He is at his best when he's cynical, but the scene where he loses "everything" is a bit overplayed. While he certainly carries off the image of little boy lost without his toy - his lifeline - I think it was too much. I blame Polanski - or perhaps the playwright? - for this.
Finally, the ending ****SPOILER ALERT***. Too pat, too Hollywood. Did we really need that feel good denouement?
In short, great performances, but an overall disappointment.
Next, kudos to Christoph Waltz. He is at his best when he's cynical, but the scene where he loses "everything" is a bit overplayed. While he certainly carries off the image of little boy lost without his toy - his lifeline - I think it was too much. I blame Polanski - or perhaps the playwright? - for this.
Finally, the ending ****SPOILER ALERT***. Too pat, too Hollywood. Did we really need that feel good denouement?
In short, great performances, but an overall disappointment.