In what is quickly becoming a Christmas tradition, Lasse Hallstrom brings us another Oscar-contender-wannabe in The Shipping News. Two years ago, he wowed us with the simple charm of The Cider House Rules, while last year he sweet-talked us with Chocolat, scooping up half a dozen nominations for each movie, so it’s no surprise that Miramax has come back with him for the third straight year in another “straight for the heart” picture.
Kevin Spacey stars as Quoyle, a simple man who suffered through years of emotional abuse by his father, and now lacks even the facade of self-confidence — he lives his dreary existence day by miserable day. The people around him are equally damaged — a quick tryst with ‘Petal’ (a radical change for the usually refined, cultured, and always yummy Cate Blanchett) results in a daughter and a relationship that she wants no part of, and she punishes everyone for her life. Their daughter Bunny lives in anguish after Petal sells her to a black market adoption agency, and her mother is killed in a car accident shortly thereafter. And Quolye’s Aunt Agnis brings her own dark secrets with her.
I actually quite disliked this first part of the movie, it seemed like everyone was trying so hard to be an “actor” with a capital A, that they forgot to become the characters. We are all used to seeing Kevin Spacey be the smartest person in every movie, with appropriate wisecracks and condescension — and well, he just seemed to be trying too hard to shake that image by playing this simpleton.
But then something happens as the characters make the big change they so desperately need — Aunt Agnis suggests they all move back to Newfoundland, the home of their ancestors, to reconnect with their roots. And it is here that the heart of this movie shines through.
As Quoyle starts to rebuild his life, he meets up with Wavey (played wonderfully by the also-yummy Julianne Moore, stupid Newfie accent and all), a woman as damaged as Quoyle, and who understand each other perfectly. The dark secrets of the Quoyles are gradually revealed and you soon find yourself caught up in the “rebirth” of these people, all of whom have been dealt a lousy hand in life, but who have also found the strength to overcome it.
While the movie is at times a little too sweet, and often predictable, the unique mix of characters (in particular some of the supporting cast) is enjoyable to watch. And the lush backdrop of Newfoundland creates some simply breathtaking views.
Rating: A cold, crisp December morning, 7/10