In Guillermo del Toro’s first film since his Oscar-sweeping picture “The shape of Water” it appears “Nightmare Alley” is the first of his films to be entirely absent of the supernatural. The film is also the least scary affair he has done; but fear not, del Toro has not gone soft. This film centers more on the manipulation of the mind as opposed to things that go bump in the night. Willem Dafoe’s ringleader character asks, “Is he man or beast,” referring to the title character; it’s a question that looms over his head as he begins his descent into madness.
Of Carnivals, Escapes, and Love Triangles
The film follows Stanton Carlisle (Bradley Cooper) as he escapes his past life and goes on a journey to a carnival, where he reinvents himself. He meets a cast of characters and learns the tricks of the trade from Zeena (Toni Collette). He also sparks a romance with Molly (Rooney Mara), as he helps her with her electrifying act. However, he feels he has learned the craft enough to run away from the circus with Molly and start a new act together. The show is a hit and it’s where they meet psychiatrist Dr. Lilith Ritter (Cate Blanchett) who draws Stan in and a love triangle ensues.
The titled role played by Bradley Cooper was originally meant to be played by Leonardo DiCaprio, but he had to leave due to scheduling conflicts. However, the role seems like it was created with Cooper in mind. He fits into this world, and he is able to convey every stage of Carlisle’s journey; he displays warmth to Molly at the beginning of their relationship and then a sense of despair and madness once Ritter comes on the scene who proves a match for overconfident Stan.
Blanchett Illuminates the Screen
Another stand-out performance comes from two-time Academy Award-winning actress Cate Blanchett who plays the femme fatale role, a classic trope of the neo-noir genre. As stated, she is a match to Stan and plays an elegant and controlled counterpart, who illuminates the screen when she enters the story. She also reunites briefly with her “Carol” co-star Rooney Mara. This is a classic trademark of del Toro; his films come with a star-studded ensemble and “Nightmare Alley” is no different. The film’s other standouts include the aforementioned Dafoe and Collette, as well as Richard Jenkins.
Rooney Mara and Bradley Cooper in “Nightmare Alley.” (Photo by Kerry Hayes. © 2021 20th Century Studios).
As del Toro’s previous film was an Oscar’s favorite, it was deemed early on in production that “Nightmare Alley” was tipped to be a front-runner during awards season. However, it has underperformed this year maybe due to this being a step away from the work del Toro has produced before. Although, the production and costume design will definitely get recognition by The Academy, as del Toro has created a vivid and beautiful world that hinders both horror and fantasy.
Even though “Nightmare Alley” is a departure for del Toro, it still plays as an exciting and thrilling psychological thriller with an ensemble of actors who are seamless in their roles.
“Nightmare Alley” is currently available to stream on Hulu or HBO Max.
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