This is becoming all too common in the Netflix era. Directors who write their own script too often become enamored of their own words to the point where the words overwhelm the plot, inhibiting the viewers' ability to follow along. Too often during this otherwise solid endeavor, director Cooper's copious verbiage all but obliterates the pacing. I spent far too much time rewinding because my mind wandered during the dull, oftentimes unrelated dialog.
Saying that, Bale is magnificent, as is Melling as Poe. The rest of the cast is fine, too, with the surprising exception of the usually reliable Gillian Anderson, whose overacting almost reaches mockery.
This overlong movie could be edited down, cutting out at least 20 minutes of dialog, making this a taut, original thriller. But Cooper's ego trips him up.
Saying that, Bale is magnificent, as is Melling as Poe. The rest of the cast is fine, too, with the surprising exception of the usually reliable Gillian Anderson, whose overacting almost reaches mockery.
This overlong movie could be edited down, cutting out at least 20 minutes of dialog, making this a taut, original thriller. But Cooper's ego trips him up.