Midnight Special review

Midnight Special is the latest film from American writer-director Jeff Nichols (Mud, Take Shelter). Like his earlier films, Midnight Special explores themes of parenthood; in this case, the parental relationship that provides the film’s emotional centre is between father Roy (Michael Shannon) and his son, the supernaturally gifted Alton (Jaeden Lieberher).

Together with Roy’s friend Lucas (Joel Edgerton), they are forced to go on the run in order to protect Alton from the governmental and religious forces which wish to exploit his amazing abilities.

Midnight Special is in many ways a throwback to the character driven sci-fi films of the 70’s. Its focus is on mood and character more than flashy special effects and this makes for an emotionally involved viewing experience.

Anchoring the film are some solid performances from Michael Shannon and Joel Edgerton. It is Adam Driver, however, who is the real stand out as a deep thinking government agent.

Stylishly done and enjoyable on multiple levels, Midnight Special is a film well suited to those who like their sci-fi to be a little more grounded.

Star Rating: 4/5

Life review

In 1955, photographer Dennis Stock was assigned by Life magazine to take photos of a little-known actor before his first major appearance in a film called East of Eden. That actor was James Dean.

The photos Stock took of Dean, first in New York and then around Dean’s family home in Indiana, would become iconic images of the young actor, who died only seven months after they appeared in print.

As director Anton Corbijn has stated, however, it was Stock who interested him more than Dean, and this interest is clear from the outset as the very first scene is of Stock (Robert Pattinson) in his darkroom.

Although he would later become world-renowned as a photographer, Stock was struggling to make a name for himself during the period in which the film is set. This is continually emphasised with Stock's editor John G. Morris (Joel Edgerton) telling him to ‘build a portfolio.’

Stock’s frustrations and his excitement at finding an interesting subject in Dean are effectively conveyed by Pattinson. The script doesn’t shy away though from depicting the less savoury parts of his personality, such as his egotism and his inability to connect to others. In one particularly telling scene, he cuts short a trip to the park with his son – who he rarely sees – to attend a business meeting.

Dane DeHaan also provides a solid performance as James Dean. He does a good job of capturing the quiet intensity that made Dean an epitome of ‘cool.’ Yet he also finds a troubled side to him and manages to show the anxiety that comes from having so much expectation on your shoulders.

Life provides an interesting exploration of the lives of its two main characters, both artists at key points in their careers. It also offers a sometimes painful look at the nature of celebrity.

There’s not a lot of showbiz glitz here, but there is a great deal of honesty. And that’s no bad thing.

 Star Rating: 4/5