After the strange, ethereal and entertaining Take Shelter I was keen to see what Jeff Nichols and Michael Shannon would bring to the table with Midnight Special. I was not disappointed.
I am not the first nor the last to note immediately that his film is a close relative of several films, notable E.T., Close Encounter of the Third Kind and possibly Star Man but those that think they are being clever criticising Jeff Nichols for this are contributing nothing to the debate. In several interviews he has admitted the influences and wanting to make a similar type film. For my part I say none of these were made by Jeff Nichols and therefore it is obvious that Midnight Special whilst born of these films goes its own way.
There is no cheese ball romanticism in this film. Michael Shannon brings his intense, strong, believable character acting to the film and from the very moment you are introduced to him you believe he really wants to save his son and he really will do anything to do so. Having said that it is Michael Shannon so for this type of role I’m guessing you point the camera at him and sit back and have a cup of coffee and not worry. In Midnight Special Mr Shannon proves that maybe I’m not as daft as I sound. Alongside Joel Edgerton, who I sort of didn’t recognise to start off with, he seems bulked up, you have two great unflashy actors at the top of their game producing and believable non-buddy road movie of sorts.
Then you throw into the mix Adam Driver, Kirsten Dunst and remarkable child-actor Jaeden Lieberher and you have a perfect cast. Every time I see Adam Driver I like him as an actor more. Here he plays and intelligently written and motive NSA character and plays it more like you would imagine a real agent would be. Perfect, break the Hollywood mould for these roles.
The film is written by Jeff Nichols who is clearly influences by the great film directors but also can spot a Hollywood cliché at fifty paces. As always with his films you are never quite sure what direction he is taking you in but you know he’ll get to the point with some great pacing and beautifully filmed locations. Not only this but Nichols refuses to pander to audiences and leaves who series of questions unanswered where the viewer has to make their mind up. Thank you Mr Nichols.
Unfortunately I believe on its cinema release Midnight Special did not set the box-office alight, not enough exploding cars and incredible stunts I suppose. Does this mean that Jeff Nichols will have to compromise on his unique visions and cinematic ideas? I for one hope not but I fear it is very difficult to make films without money and some backing.
Every person involved in Midnight Special needs to take a bow. Congratulations on making an intelligent, thought-provoking film made without compromise to current trends and pandering. Something to be proud of. I wish I was billionaire so I could fund film-makers like this to see where the go but alas I have no influence….
Review by DeletedBlockedParent2016-08-11T10:43:20Z
After the strange, ethereal and entertaining Take Shelter I was keen to see what Jeff Nichols and Michael Shannon would bring to the table with Midnight Special. I was not disappointed.
I am not the first nor the last to note immediately that his film is a close relative of several films, notable E.T., Close Encounter of the Third Kind and possibly Star Man but those that think they are being clever criticising Jeff Nichols for this are contributing nothing to the debate. In several interviews he has admitted the influences and wanting to make a similar type film. For my part I say none of these were made by Jeff Nichols and therefore it is obvious that Midnight Special whilst born of these films goes its own way.
There is no cheese ball romanticism in this film. Michael Shannon brings his intense, strong, believable character acting to the film and from the very moment you are introduced to him you believe he really wants to save his son and he really will do anything to do so. Having said that it is Michael Shannon so for this type of role I’m guessing you point the camera at him and sit back and have a cup of coffee and not worry. In Midnight Special Mr Shannon proves that maybe I’m not as daft as I sound. Alongside Joel Edgerton, who I sort of didn’t recognise to start off with, he seems bulked up, you have two great unflashy actors at the top of their game producing and believable non-buddy road movie of sorts.
Then you throw into the mix Adam Driver, Kirsten Dunst and remarkable child-actor Jaeden Lieberher and you have a perfect cast. Every time I see Adam Driver I like him as an actor more. Here he plays and intelligently written and motive NSA character and plays it more like you would imagine a real agent would be. Perfect, break the Hollywood mould for these roles.
The film is written by Jeff Nichols who is clearly influences by the great film directors but also can spot a Hollywood cliché at fifty paces. As always with his films you are never quite sure what direction he is taking you in but you know he’ll get to the point with some great pacing and beautifully filmed locations. Not only this but Nichols refuses to pander to audiences and leaves who series of questions unanswered where the viewer has to make their mind up. Thank you Mr Nichols.
Unfortunately I believe on its cinema release Midnight Special did not set the box-office alight, not enough exploding cars and incredible stunts I suppose. Does this mean that Jeff Nichols will have to compromise on his unique visions and cinematic ideas? I for one hope not but I fear it is very difficult to make films without money and some backing.
Every person involved in Midnight Special needs to take a bow. Congratulations on making an intelligent, thought-provoking film made without compromise to current trends and pandering. Something to be proud of. I wish I was billionaire so I could fund film-makers like this to see where the go but alas I have no influence….