I watched this movie while I was ill one day, and it was definitely worth the watch. I had never heard of Louis Wain, but Cumberbatch has an impressive way of bringing characters to life, and he made Wain's character almost touchable.
The movie begins as a kind of awkward romantic comedy, transforms into a bittersweet romantic tragedy, and from there it becomes a dismal tale of a man's pitiable descent into madness. Just in the first six minutes or so, I got teary-eyes, then I laughed. At first, I thought Wain's portrayal was a bit mocking, but I soon realized that the movie was about contradictions: Wain was foolish, yet brilliant, terrified, yet brave, insane, yet insightful. The movie itself is a contradiction too; at times it is ridiculous, yet it is poignant. Foy's Emily is brilliantly portrayed as well, as she is a mass of adorable contradictions herself. Toby Jones' character is surprisingly heartwarming, and Riseborough finishes strong as the nasty yet ultimately pitiable elder sister.
I did occasionally find the music and cinematography irritating, particularly as they depicted his descent into madness. The first hour or so of the movie is the best part, and is followed by uncomfortable bleakness, but it finishes strong. Perhaps it rather mirrors Wain's own life; cold yet heartwarming, bitter yet sweet.
The movie begins as a kind of awkward romantic comedy, transforms into a bittersweet romantic tragedy, and from there it becomes a dismal tale of a man's pitiable descent into madness. Just in the first six minutes or so, I got teary-eyes, then I laughed. At first, I thought Wain's portrayal was a bit mocking, but I soon realized that the movie was about contradictions: Wain was foolish, yet brilliant, terrified, yet brave, insane, yet insightful. The movie itself is a contradiction too; at times it is ridiculous, yet it is poignant. Foy's Emily is brilliantly portrayed as well, as she is a mass of adorable contradictions herself. Toby Jones' character is surprisingly heartwarming, and Riseborough finishes strong as the nasty yet ultimately pitiable elder sister.
I did occasionally find the music and cinematography irritating, particularly as they depicted his descent into madness. The first hour or so of the movie is the best part, and is followed by uncomfortable bleakness, but it finishes strong. Perhaps it rather mirrors Wain's own life; cold yet heartwarming, bitter yet sweet.