A Ghost Story (2017)
Quirkiest metaphor the decade.
Presentation:
A very meta metaphor, the film uses stereotypical bed sheets to depict a ghost, which would normally be so cheesy and low budget for any serious filmmaker to implement. And that’s what makes it genius. Whether you agree depends on how you receive the film. It is presented in a nostalgic 4:3 aspect ratio to perfectly complement the offbeat nostalgia of the tall ghostly silhouette. There is a lot of silence and stillness in this film to let audiences take in the themes of loss, existence and connection, but for many the snail’s pace will likely be just as painful as Rooney Mara’s suffering. However, she is able to painfully portray her pain and loneliness empathically and I felt it was profoundly executed. You never once second guess their love or longing.
Conclusion:
The most original drama in years that makes you wonder how no one else had thought of it before. Maybe because it’s tacky for some viewer’s standards. Whether the film can surpass this label hinges on whether you can appreciate the emotional perspective this quiet film presents. But it’s quite likely that this will not be the case for the masses, as you probably need to have many abstract films under your belt to view this quirky premise as avant garde. If you don’t already love the premise before the film starts, you’ll find it difficult to convince yourself of its creative insight.
Recommendations
Warm, nostalgic melancholy.