“Who are you going to call? Ghostbusters!”
Although it’s a common pop culture reference from the beloved 1980s movie “Ghostbusters,” you have to admit that ghosts in a comedy aren’t that scary. But take a drama like “The Eclipse” and mix in a well-calculated script, seamless acting, breathless cinematography and ghosts, and you have yourself a crafty film that will give you a whole new perspective on ghosts.
In this chilling film, Michael Farr (Ciar?n Hinds, “Munich”) is haunted by the loss of his wife and his recent encounters with ghosts. As a chauffer at the Cobh Literary Festival in Ireland, he provides his services to authors Lena Morelle (Iben Hjejle, “Live fra Bremen”) and Nicolas Holden (Aidan Quinn, TV’s “Law & Order: Special Victims Unit”).
Lena’s reading from a passage of her book “The Eclipse” speaks to Michael on a personal level. Her words reverberate throughout the room as she confesses, “when you see a ghost, your brain splits in two. One side of you is rejecting what you see, and (the) other side is screaming at you, ‘but this is real.'” Lena and Michael reveal stories of their ghostly encounters and form a profound connection. Lena allows Michael to come to terms with his reality. While Michael finds solace in her words, Nicolas, arrogant and egotistical, feels threatened by Michael’s connection with Lena.
Based on Billy Roche’s “Tales from Rainwater Pond,” Irish playwright and director Conor McPherson aims to show how one character’s piece of literary work has the power to shed light on a man’s grief-ridden struggle. While McPherson’s script is clever with an intuitive writing style, the most compelling effect he brings to the film is the unanimous visual language, which speaks volumes as its interpretation relates to humanity as a whole. The language is well read by viewers, due to the honest content within the romance scenes. McPherson illustrates how a fervent bond requires few words, as this unspoken language lucidly intertwines between the romantic scenes and the supernatural occurrences. These two genres are spread throughout the film, switching from romance to thriller in one cohesive production.
With heavenly cinematography, the film’s creepy factor is intensified by Ireland’s peaceful scenery. The white, soft clouds that overhang Ireland’s soothing shoreline contradict the spine-tingling ghostly encounters. The unlikely appearance of a ghost in the serene setting offers the film a heightened sense of reality and is actually quite perfect. This is enhanced by the colorful and patient camera work, especially the tracking shots that personify the viewer. Thanks to this small trick, viewers will feel as if they are taking on the role of a ghost in the film.
McPherson’s experience as a playwright carries over into this film as he gives the characters play-like attributes. Initially, Michael appears as an average character in a ghost movie, but it is his captivating emotional depth that adds authenticity to his role and allows viewers to relate to him on a deeper level. And it doesn’t hurt to know that Hinds won the Best Actor award at last year’s Tribeca Film Festival for his work in “The Eclipse.” While Hinds takes on the character of Michael effortlessly throughout the film, he is most convincing in the final scenes in a performance that is sure to touch viewers.
While he steals the show, Hjejle flourishes in her role as well. Hjejle complements Hinds in his role as she is perceptive, incorporating subtle mannerisms into her character.
While the acting is convincing, the haunting choral music sets the mood of the movie throughout the production. The somber melody in the opening scene foreshadows the gravity of the film and embodies a sinister essence. The piano’s classical sound and abrupt absence enhance the film and intensify “the sounds of silence,” adding to the suspense factor.
McPherson manages to wrap a love story and a ghost story into one movie while also touching and frightening viewers. A quality piece of work, “The Eclipse” may have viewers calling the “Ghostbusters” just as a precaution because of the film’s realistic quality.
3 1/2 stars out of 5.
