Boring. Pretentious. Arthouse. “A Ghost Story” could be all these things. Yet somehow, it’s also evocative, and one of the more intriguing movies you may ever find.
Written and directed by David Lowery, “A Ghost Story” premiered at the Sundance Film Festival in January of 2017. While dealing with the supernatural, it shouldn’t be confused with horror. Touching on themes of love, grief, and the meaning of life, it’s an exercise it fully flexes the creative muscles in the telling of its story.
A young couple – nameless characters portrayed by Casey Affleck and Rooney Mara – reside in a house. He’s a musician. She wants to relocate. They banter, bicker, and show affection like any pair in a sexual relationship. Minutes into the film, the man is killed in an automobile accident. For the remainder of the story, we follow his ghost as it watches over his lover, the house, and the life they shared.
It’s Out There
The plot sounds strange, and it is. The way it’s presented is what makes the film stand out. With limited dialogue, Casey Affleck and Rooney Mara excel in their respective roles. Mara is amazing portraying a realistic image of grief.
Beginning with an intense scene at the morgue, she goes through the motions of sorrow for a planned life together that is suddenly cut short.
David Lowery’s filmmaking prowess adds to the narrative. The film is shot on 1.33:1 (square) aspect ratio. Like “The Lighthouse,” this touch adds to the claustrophobic nature of the story. “It’s about someone basically trapped in a box for eternity.” Lowery said. The ghost, and by proxy the viewer, are confined to a single locale with no ability to interact or alter the present.
The movie is a slow burn. It’s only 93 minutes, but scenes are drawn out and linger in an almost uncomfortable way. The action is reduced to a lull, with each moment a slow and deep breath before continuing. Watching the passage of time from the perspective of the ghost is fascinating. Once the film concludes, you will appreciate how and why this was done.
Ghosts
The decision to choose a white sheet with hole cuts for eyes was smart. Yes, it looks silly at first. But as the movie progresses, it makes for a perfect representation of how simple life is.
A character played by Will Oldham will offer theories at one unmistakable point. It will make you second guess your actions when you think you are alone.
I struggle to think of anything that compares to “A ghost Story.” It’s a unique story with limitless interpretations as to the deeper meaning. It just falls short of love for me. But I really like it and recommend you watch it.
