I didn't realize this was based on a true story until the end credits when the narrative followed up on the arrest of the two girls. Quite honestly, the story does proceed along as if it were a fictional one, as the obsessive relationship between Pauline (Melanie Lynskey) and Juliet (Kate Winslet) races headlong toward a disaster that doesn't feel quite real. Director Peter Jackson appears to step out of his comfort zone with this film, though a number of scenes portend the grand spectacle that was to become 'The Lord of the Rings' trilogy. I was particularly stunned by the the sight of the empty field that miraculously turned into a royal garden, at which point the picture took on an "Alice in Wonderland" like quality. The use of the clay-like characters further inspires one to reflect on the mythical world Pauline and Juliet placed themselves in at the expense of the real one around them. Their imaginary 'Fourth World', filled with music, art and beauty became a mask for the reality the girls refused to face when their relationship was about to come to an end. On the face of it, Jackson directs with an eye toward sensitivity and sympathy between Pauline and Juliet, though their horrible deed to culminate the story reveals just how tragic their obsession became despite the efforts of those around them who could not penetrate their mythical Fourth World.
Review of Heavenly Creatures
