Based on other reviews, I really thought this movie would be more confusing than it was. Perhaps the version on Netflix was different than the theatrical release. To be sure, there was some confusion and vagueness. But at the end, I was able to construct an explanation in my mind that, even if it may not have been the director's intent, satisfied me enough to get over it and focus on what did work. And what worked, really worked!
First, the movie was beautifully shot,wonderfully atmospheric and deliciously Gothic and macabre. Val Kilmer gave a solid, nuanced performance, even if it wasn't his very best. The supporting cast also turned in excellent performances. And I found the Edgar Allen Poe plot device, which could have been cheesy and tiresome, really worked, and helped weave several story lines together, not literally, but in a touching and tragically poetic way.
Still, this movie is probably not for everyone. If you want a more straightforward crime thriller or horror/slasher flick ('cause there's never plot holes in slasher flicks), this is probably not the film for you. But if you can tolerate a little ambiguity in favor of great atmosphere and certain kind of macabre poetry and beautifully Gothic visuals, then you may just find this surprisingly enjoyable and worth your while.
First, the movie was beautifully shot,wonderfully atmospheric and deliciously Gothic and macabre. Val Kilmer gave a solid, nuanced performance, even if it wasn't his very best. The supporting cast also turned in excellent performances. And I found the Edgar Allen Poe plot device, which could have been cheesy and tiresome, really worked, and helped weave several story lines together, not literally, but in a touching and tragically poetic way.
Still, this movie is probably not for everyone. If you want a more straightforward crime thriller or horror/slasher flick ('cause there's never plot holes in slasher flicks), this is probably not the film for you. But if you can tolerate a little ambiguity in favor of great atmosphere and certain kind of macabre poetry and beautifully Gothic visuals, then you may just find this surprisingly enjoyable and worth your while.