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Tom Ford's "Nocturnal Animals" is a film that exudes style and sophistication, much like the designer-turned-director himself. However, beneath its polished exterior lies a narrative that, while compelling in parts, ultimately feels disjointed and emotionally monstrous.
The film, adapted from Austin Wright's novel "Tony and Susan," tells two intertwined stories: one of Susan Morrow (Amy Adams), a successful but deeply unhappy art gallery owner, and the other a violent and harrowing tale from a manuscript written by her ex-husband Edward Sheffield (Jake Gyllenhaal).
Visually, "Nocturnal Animals" is a feast. Ford's background in fashion is evident in every meticulously composed frame. The cinematography by Seamus McGarvey is stunning, capturing both the sleek, cold world of Susan's Los Angeles life and the gritty, sun-soaked landscapes of West Texas depicted in Edward's novel. The attention to detail in the production design, costumes, and overall aesthetic creates an atmosphere of unease and tension that lingers throughout the film.
The performances are another strong point. Amy Adams delivers a nuanced portrayal of Susan, conveying a profound sense of regret and disillusionment without ever veering into melodrama. Jake Gyllenhaal, playing dual roles as Edward and the protagonist of his novel, Tony Hastings, brings a raw intensity to his characters. Michael Shannon, as the relentless and morally ambiguous detective Bobby Andes, steals every scene he's in, providing a grim anchor to the film's darker storyline.
However, for all its visual and performative strengths, "Nocturnal Animals" struggles with its narrative cohesion. The film oscillates between Susan's present-day reality and the fictional world of Edward's manuscript, a story within a story that is both a metaphor for their failed marriage and a standalone thriller. While this structure is intriguing, it often feels more like an exercise in style over substance. The transitions between the two narratives can be jarring, and the emotional weight of Susan's story is frequently overshadowed by the brutality and suspense of the manuscript's plot.
Moreover, Ford's script sometimes indulges in heavy-handed symbolism and metaphors that can come across as pretentious rather than profound. The film's opening sequence, featuring slow-motion shots of nude, obese women dancing, is a prime example. While intended to make a statement about art and beauty, it feels more like a provocative stunt that distracts rather than adds depth to the story.
Thematically, "Nocturnal Animals" explores ideas of revenge, regret, and the consequences of our choices. Edward's manuscript serves as both a cathartic expression of his pain and a pointed critique of Susan's superficial life. Yet, despite these ambitious themes, the film's emotional core feels underdeveloped. We understand Susan's sense of loss and guilt, but we never fully connect with her, making her eventual realization and transformation less impactful than it should be.
In the end, "Nocturnal Animals" is a film that demands attention and admiration for its craftsmanship but leaves much to be desired in terms of emotional engagement and narrative satisfaction. It's a movie that will likely be remembered more for its striking visuals and strong performances than for its storytelling prowess. Tom Ford proves he has a distinct voice in cinema, but I can't help but wish that "Nocturnal Animals" had a bit more heart to go along with its undeniable style.
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