by Stephanie Anderson
The critics recommended this one as a "tragic-comedy." It really was not at all funny, but I was shocked by this dark, but interesting film. The Shipping News has a fabulous cast including Kevin Spacey, Judy Dench, Cate Blanchett and Julianne Moore. Cate Blanchett pulls off what seems an uncharacteristic role as Spacey's bimbo wife from the female star of An Ideal Husband and this summer's Galadriel.
The movie is about death, suicide, infidelity, ghosts, curses, and all the other treasures that make up the most dysfunctional family imaginable. It keeps you guessing and maybe a little spooked.
After everyone besides his daughter dies, Quoyle (Spacey) moves to Newfoundland with a long lost aunt, who just recently appeared to steal her brother's ashes. Apparently, it is very difficult to survive in Newfoundland, as everyone has some tragic story under their belt. Quoyle struggles to make it as a journalist while uncovering his sordid family's past. Meanwhile, his young daughter seems to be crazy and a ghostly man with a dog keeps appearing on their doorstep.
Since movies twists are popular, this one throws in it's share. I am still sorting out some of the details in my head, so don't go if you don't want to do some thinking.
And don't worry either. You won't be the only one walking out of the theater trying to figure out where Newfoundland is.
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