When it appeared, The Weight Of Water proved much more consciously 'literary' (being adapted from a novel by Anita Shreeve), being conceived on narrower scope than the previous film, but exceeding its temporal complexity. A team of divers, photographers and scientists set out on a thrilling ocean adventure to discover why and to reveal the underwater mystery to the world. The Weight of Water Two stories were bridged together by the curiosity of one character. is not a masterpiece, and sometimes seems to be striving for a "greater meaning" that simply isn't there. IMDb. This is a rather somber, mood piece from Bigelow, whose reputation as a keen director of action movies is only briefly apparent in this subdued thriller. In the present days, the newspaper photographer Jean Janes (Catherine McCormack) is researching this murder. In the process they also ended up doing some research in the county archives. Title: I was lucky to catch a screening of the new movie, "The Weight of Water" at the San Francisco Film Festival with a friend and three of her friends. Elizabeth Hurley is appropriately sexy in her bit, and no less interesting than anyone else, despite what you might expect. With the exception of Jean, none of the other characters seem defined enough for us to care about. A newspaper photographer researches an 1873 double homicide and finds her own life paralleling that of a witness who survived the tragic ordeal. For example: his bloody footprints were found in the house and around the island. Yes. This is a rather somber, mood piece from Bigelow, whose reputation as a keen director of action movies is only briefly apparent in this subdued thriller. All of it could have been suggested without going there. A challenge for the audience! But except for the obvious that its about trying to make amends for the past, their really is no hardcore evidence that they are connected. The more interesting 19th century tale is a so-so drama with Polley at the center which just takes too long to get where it's going because of the constant interruptions. On DVD, and using the fast forward feature, first I watched only the 1873 part of the movie, starring Sarah Polley. 18 of 23 people found this review helpful. I'm also surprised how well it works. According to the papers, Norwegian immigrant Maren Hontvedt, survived the attack, which was allegedly done by Louis Wagner, who had once tried to seduce her. Reviewing from the point of view of a Swedish/American, I see it differently. Directed by (1) Writing credits (3) Cast (24) Produced by (8) Music by (1) Cinematography by (1) Film Editing by (1) Casting By (1) Production Design by (1) This is where the movie excels and Polley carries the film so well just be being very believable, that it let's me forgive the not so great acting by some of her counterparts. | Keep track of everything you watch; tell your friends. Want to share IMDb's rating on your own site? According to the papers, Norwegian immigrant Maren Hontvedt, survived the attack, which was allegedly done by Louis Wagner, who had once tried to seduce her. Well worth a look. Both stories are intricately woven together. Considering Sean Penn is in this film, my friend is completely in love with him, which is mainly why she bought the tickets for us. But fortunately his role is not major and although they took some liberties with the book (dropping Billie, the child, completely and changing the ending) the film was quite viewable and entertaining. She is researching the murders of the two immigrant women. Awards Clever script, clever acting, especially by the late Katrin Cartlidge. This is about a history murder case. The story-within-a-story in `The Weight of Water' is a true-life account of a brutal double murder that took place on a remote island off the coast of New Hampshire in the 1870's. Penn also is good as the writer with problems from his past and McCormack is exceptional. The depiction of the 19th century murders was especially well done with strong performances from that cast. Everyone seemed to be jazzed for the festival and the films playing as well. Title: A rookie in the police force must engage in a cat-and-mouse game with a pistol-wielding psychopath who becomes obsessed with her. Well worth a look. Some have said that Hurley is nothing more than eye candy for the film but I disagree. Polley is stunning, and both beautiful, transparent, and scary. She gives the type of performance that should send out a signal to all studios that she's a solid actress and should be considered for larger roles. The other takes place in contemporary times and its about a writer named Thomas Janes (Sean Penn) and his photographer wife Jean (Catherine McCormack) who are going to spend time on a chartered yacht with his brother Rich (Josh Lucas) and his sexy girlfriend Adaline (Elizabeth Hurley). The Weight of Water (2000) Full Cast & Crew. The intention of the director was to have a parallel narrative, linked by common points. A newspaper photographer researches an 1873 double homicide and finds her own life paralleling that of a witness who survived the tragic ordeal. Anonymous. "The Weight of Water" (interestingly obscure title, isn't it?) The ensemble performances are first rate, slightly uneven at times, but generally committed. Want to share IMDb's rating on your own site? Metacritic Reviews. After being released from a psychiatric institution, a man tries to redeem himself in the eyes of his now-ex wife from the events that led up to his incarceration. ), Excellent Cast and Budget Wasted by a Confused Screenplay and a Terrible and Pretentious Direction. Sean Penn's character had the most potential, but they left much about him on the plate. The article was called "A Memorable Murder" and was published in the Atlantic Monthly. Fact-based drama set during the 1967 Detroit riots in which a group of rogue police officers respond to a complaint with retribution rather than justice on their minds. I am amazed that this film would "bomb" given it's incredible mesh of past and present, in the drama of "love and war" ("love and rage"). In spite of all that, the film is able to get by on the strength of Kathryn Bigelow's direction, which is, in a word, impeccable. Both stories have a very different look and feel and obviously a lot of time was spent on each story. At the trial, the survivor of the murders, Norwegian immigrant Maren Hontvedt, recounts the events that led up to the murder of her sister and sister-in-law. One a true story about two women that were murdered at the Isles of Shoal in New Hampshire in 1873. He seems rather uninterested most of the time. It just didn't ring true. Interesting? In its basic structure and format, `The Weight of Water' is very similar to the far more impressive film `Possession' from 2002. Don't get me wrong; the acting keeps a high quality throughout. The real story behind the myth of American icon Robert 'Evel' Knievel and his legacy. Because of the confused screenplay and a terrible and even pretentious direction. Plastic surgeon Dr. Mohammad Jawad returns to his native Pakistan to help those left horribly scarred by acid attacks. Tension in their relationships leads them into a conflict situation as well. There are facial expressions, small gestures and glances that speak volumes in this movie. She does look sizzling but the screenplay doesn't give her much scope to perform. From The Virgin Suicides to On the Rocks, IMDb dives into the cinematic stylings of Oscar-winning director Sofia Coppola. One day her brother comes to visit with his new wife and this makes Maren upset. This movie held me the entire time. The connection between terrorism and the poaching of elephants in Africa. In spite of it's convoluted plot, there is much to admire about this picture, particularly the sexual tension it exudes. What to Watch Latest Trailers IMDb TV IMDb Originals IMDb Picks. An oddly engaging film that explores provocative themes with a welcome adult sensibility. Add the first question. It is only Maren's story that keeps the viewer engaged while Jean's story is halfbaked. In so doing, she reveals how she was caught in a loveless marriage and her repressed passion for her brother. Only half the film is worth watching. The two stories are both told well, with great performances (particularly Catherine McCormack & Sarah Polley) and a script that is just fine. My vote is five. The film is about two stories. In Lava Falls, a large dangerous rapid, he discovers that despite what people might say, barriers can be real and they hurt .. a lot. The problem is that these are very ambitious and pretentious quarters. Initially apprehensive, pleasantly surprised. Its modern counterpart was less successful. There was an article written by a woman named Celia Thaxter who lived on the islands at the time of the murders and personally knew all of the people involved. No. She is researching the murders of the two immigrant women. A small-town farmer's son reluctantly joins a traveling group of vampires after he is bitten by a beautiful drifter. "The Weigh of Water" interleaves a present day story of two DINK couples on a boat exploring the New England coast where the second story of the murder of two Norwegian women took place 127 years before with the second story.