Film Review: "Take Shelter"

This was one of those films that spent so much time on the back burner with me barely considering seeing it while I had the chance, much like "The Ides of March". From the very first moment, this didn't seem like the heavy-hitter that many were pushing it to be. I've seen many a film take on the psychological thriller plot that this one takes on, and it has gotten to the point of becoming a depressing cliche. Too many films have used it as a gimmick with no idea exactly what purpose it serves, if any at all. Their intent behind it is to attain that sought-after title of "mind-fuck" that has been twisted out of any strong meaning it had. It's a term that loud college kids use to explain films that are too smart for them.

And there is a problem to be found in "Take Shelter" in that for the first solid hour, it unfolds in a manner that's so utterly predictable that it nearly turns you off from it. I was writing out the tweet review in my head well before the film was over, somewhere along the lines of "typical rundown of requisite psychological thriller scenes". What held me back from it then was the skill being put on screen. Yes, the cinematography was rather simply, and music merely eerie. All the same, director Jeff Nichols keeps things earth-bound in its depiction of a family teetering not just on, but towards the edge of economic collapse.

AWARDS 2011: Detroit Critics Nod for "Take Shelter"

It's hard to give much thought to the critics awards that take the time to dole out nominations. At this point, why not just get to the awards? The Detroit critics seemed to be in line perfectly with everyone else, with one notable difference. "Take Shelter" got a significant heap of awards many didn't expect it would. Seems like Detroit really loves the economic apocalyptic feature from Jeff Nichols.

BEST PICTURE

"The Artist"
"The Descendants"
"Hugo"
"Take Shelter"
"The Tree of Life"

BEST DIRECTOR

Michel Hazanavicius, "The Artist"

Terrence Malick, "The Tree of Life"

Jeff Nichols, "Take Shelter"

Nicolas Winding Refn, "Drive"

Martin Scorsese, "Hugo"

AWARDS 2011: NY critics land on "Artist" & "Bridesmaids"

The New York Film Critics Online, the last film awards of the day to start was the shortest to conclude. A lot of the same going on, with another win for Albert Brooks in "Drive", further wins for "The Artist", a push for Michael Shannon in "Take Shelter", another "Tree of Life" cinematography win, and a surprising second award of the day for Melissa McCarthy for "Bridesmaids". Color us surprised, but I'm still guessing she won't make it into the Oscar shortlist. Just simple bias.

BEST PICTURE: "The Artist"

BEST DIRECTOR: Michel Hazanavicius ("The Artist")

BEST SCREENPLAY: "The Descendants"

BEST ACTOR: Michael Shannon ("Take Shelter")

BEST ACTRESS: Meryl Streep ("The Iron Lady")

BEST SUPPORTING ACTOR: Albert Brooks ("Drive")

BEST SUPPORTING ACTRESS: Melissa McCarthy ("Bridesmaids")

BEST ENSEMBLE: "Bridesmaids"

BREAKTHROUGH PERFORMER: Jessica Chastain ("The Tree of Life", "The Help", "Take Shelter")

BEST ANIMATED FILM: "The Adventures of Tintin"

BEST DOCUMENTARY: "Cave of Forgotten Dreams"

BEST FOREIGN LANGUAGE FILM: "A Separation"

BEST DEBUT DIRECTOR: Joe Cornish ("Attack the Block")

BEST CINEMATOGRAPHY: "The Tree of Life"

BEST USE OF MUSIC: "The Artist"

Carpet-Bagging: Men of Lowered Confidence

If I'm going to be perfectly audience, I think this is one of the weakest years in recent memory for the Best Actor race. That might be because my standards just recently were raised, but I'm having trouble finding any of the supposed frontrunners in this race really that fascinating. There's a similar problem in the Supp. Actor race, but that's more to do with the fact that it's really anyone's game. In the lead category, I'm just having trouble putting much faith behind even one candidate. Of course, there is plenty of room for debate here, and we'll get a better idea of the race when the critics awards start hitting, but for now it's hard to figure this one out.

The nominees seem like the most easily assembled bunch, and yet when you look a little deeper below the surface, there's going to be a tussle for the nominations this year. Brad Pitt has had a ton of buzz recently for "Moneyball", but I'm having strong doubts that will last through till year's end. It's a charming performance, but I don't think that will be enough to eek out a nod. One thing that's important to remember is how elite these races are supposed to be, and Pitt just might be the odd person out in this race. I think it's more likely for him to get passion for "The Tree of Life" than for this, as well he should.

Oscar Park: "Take Shelter" & "50/50"

This weekend had two films with moderate Oscar chances come out, but neither one has that many chances to merit a post of their own, so here we are. Obviously the more apparent of the two is "Take Shelter", which got strong reactions out of Cannes, and has continued that through this weekend. Michael Shannon is obviously the main talking point here, and the Academy has had a notable fancy for him in the past. I'd be particularly shocked if he didn't make it for this one. The other potential candidate for the film would be Jessica Chastain, who has too many films this year to dial out of the conversation.

I suppose the conversation could dwell between this, "The Help", and "The Tree of Life", but how the hell are we going to get people to rally under a single one of those? "50/50", on the other hand, has only one possibility in the cards, and that's for Joseph Gordon-Levitt. With heavyweights like Michael Shannon in the pot, how much of an impact can he really make? True, the odds are considerably against him, but don't write him off so immediately. If nothing else, you can expect some sort of Golden Globes traction. Unless Robert Downey Jr. steals it away from him for "Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows". I kind of doubt it, though.

"Take Shelter"

Strong Possibilities: Best Actor (Michael Shannon)

Potential Causes: Best Supp. Actress (Jessica Chastain)

"50/50"

Potential Causes: Best Actor (Joseph Gordon-Levitt)

For Your Anticipation: Not a Word

If I've sounded a bit dismissive of "Take Shelter" in the past, it's not been by intention. I barely knew it was coming this month, and it hasn't been at the top of my mind. It seems, forgive me, somewhat simple. Man has dreams of storms, invests too much money into building a tornado shelter, and starts to lose his mind. Spooky stuff, and I don't mean that as a joke. This is how a decent thriller should be made, with motivating performances as well. Michael Shannon and Jessica Chastain both look to be in great form here. I'd be interested to see it if it comes around anytime soon. Still, I'm not rushing out for it.

"Take Shelter" Trailer

One of the films which made an appearance at Cannes this past week was Take Shelter, and it won an alternate jury prize a few days before the official jury awards. I found it more than a tad bit intriguing in clips, and this trailer does add to that. The problem that props itself up a little to obviously is that I know where it's going. That being said, I won't let it get in the way of a good time. Take a look at the trailer below!