The Shallow Story of a Writer Who Choosed to Write About a Serial Killer Review: Dark Comedy Hits The Correct Aim: The Wrong Target
The Shallow Tale of a Writer Who Decided to Write About a Serial Killer's title could be deceptive to some. Though beneath the film's original idea as stated in the title is another movie, one less about the process of writing and more about a marriage failing apart and how it might be saved over one out of control night. It is not totally wrong.
Though it still ends up feeling like a misdirected effort, this night, which spans much of the film's running length, produces some of The Shallow Tale's strongest moments. The Shallow Tale never finds its footing, lost along the way despite great performances from Britt Lower and Steve Buscemi at times darkly hilarious and at others frighteningly somber.
The Best Shallow Tale Part Is Britt Lower.
Lower stars as Suzie, the wife of Keane (the title writer, portrayed by always decent John Magaro). At a dinner party, Keane tells about his next book, a tale about the last neanderthal who falls in love with one of the earliest Homo sapiens set in 40,000 BC Slovenia. Suzie notes that Keane has been working on the book for four years—a length of time she finds to be shockingly long.
Suzie's request for a divorce sets off the events of the movie, in which Keane develops a relationship with a fan presenting an indisputable chance for him to write about a serial killer assisted by an actual serial killer. Steve Buscemi's Kollmick creeps his way into Keane's life, finally disguising himself as a marriage counsellor when Keane brings him home late one night. Suzie discovers them. Reduced vacillates between a deliciously straight-faced deadpan and a growing worry over her assassination at the hands of her husband. Though it's quite the ridiculous idea, one that never fully realizes itself. Examining this film then is challenging as, although there is undoubtedly a decent one here, much of what Magaro and Buscemi's characters do obscures it. The more fascinating narrative arises from Suzie's uncertainty about Keane's study. She develops the faint idea that her husband is trying to kill her before she can divorce him when she discovers books about toxicology and murder laying about.
The Shallow Tale Turns Unexpectedly Left.
Though I didn't love most of what came before it, the latter third of The Shallow Tale hooks me with its wonderfully insane cat-and----mouse chase throughout New York City. Without disclosing much of what happens, Suzie follows Keane and Kollmick about the city gathering bodies and engaging in other dubious, serial killer-like activities. Lower's revelation of these activities culminates in a hysterically cruel scenario about dominance which Lower channels the inscrutable, unhappy wife she was at the beginning of the film.
The Shallow Tale of a Writer Who Decided to Write About a Serial Killer falls short overall even if it finds a pleasant spot. Though they provide excellent performances, Buscemi, Magaro, and Lower barely cover the story's voids. Buscemi's role is essentially useless for the movie; more of a tool for a goal than anything else. The actual heart here is Keane and Suzie's marriage; the funniest thing of all is that it takes a couple dead bodies, a sly car chase, and other antics to get even halfway near to preserving it.
Dark Comedy with a Sloshful of Mystery: The Shallow Tale
The Shallow Tale of a Writer Who Decided to Write About a Serial Killer examines the complexity of relationships, the attraction of true crime, and the dark side of human nature. Though interesting, the idea of the movie could be a little ridiculous. The narrative centers on Keane, a poor writer on the verge of divorce, who discovers inspiration in a retired serial killer coincidental with his new marriage counselor. The movie looks into New York City's sinister underbeneers, where fiction and reality mix. The tone of the movie moves from Dark Comedy to suspense, therefore providing a special fusion of comic and thriller aspects.
As Suzie, Britt Lower—who stars in the Apple TV+ series Severance—offers a particularly remarkable performance. Suzie is a fascinating and relevant character since she brings a complex mix of tension and comedy to the part. Steve Buscemi's portrayal of Kollmick, the retired serial killer turned inspiration for Keane, is likewise excellent. The film offers a fascinating cinematic experience based on its disturbing idea and strong performances.
Shallow Tale: A Film Study
One could see the pace and organization of the movie as its shortcomings. The first half of the movie seems to be a touch meandering as the narrative takes some time to gather ground. But the second half of the movie comes to life with the exciting automobile chases and rising interpersonal conflicts driving a sense of urgency. Examining issues of obsession, control, and the hazy boundaries between truth and fantasy, the Shallow Tale explores the psychological depths of its protagonists. The way the movie explores these subjects is disturbing as well as provocative.
Long after the credits have rolled, viewers will find great resonance in The Shallow Tale. This dark and twisted investigation of human nature leaves viewers to consider the actual meaning of inspiration, obsession, and the sinister secrets hiding under the surface.
The Shallow Story: First Shallow Tale from the Tribeca Film Festival
Critics varied their opinions on the Shallow Tale of a Writer Who Decided to Write About a Serial Killer as it debuted at the 2024 Tribeca Film Festival. With its mix of Dark Comedy and thriller components, the movie is a singular and audacious endeavor. Strong performances, especially those of Britt Lower and Steve Buscemi, and its examination of the evil side of human nature help the movie to be successful. Although the movie might not be for everyone, its original idea and convincing acting will draw a devoted viewers.
During a divorce, a failing writer befriended a retired serial killer who also happens to be his marriage counselor by day and killer for his next book by night. Long after the credits have rolled, you will be considering the issues of this movie. The Shallow Tale reminds us strongly that the borders separating fiction from reality may be readily blurring and that inspiration can come from unexpected sources.
