Nightmare Alley

Nightmare Alley (Guillermo del Toro, 2022)

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Rating: Q=5, P=4 / Average OJ

Scale 1=3, Scale 2=2, Scale 3=2, Scale 4=2

1930's-40's, Thriller, Psychological, Carnival

Guillermo del Toro has made an interesting adaptation of  Nightmare Alley, perhaps staying closer to the story of the novel, but somehow the film just didn't grab me like the classic film noir version from 1947. Perhaps it was because the slow burn was less convincing and the horror aspects pulled me away from the psychological madness. I wasn't as captivated by the setting nor by the acting. Nightmare Alley of 1947 felt succinct and complete--fully formed from start to finish, with subtle moments throughout signaling the mentalist's downfall. This version just feels bumpy (the story felt a little rushed and disjointed) and, at times, overdoing it. But the artistry was superb! And I did like the ending just a little better--so fitting. 

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Nightmare Alley (1947)

Nightmare Alley (1947)

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Rating: Q=6, P=5 / Average OJ

Scale 1=3, Scale 2=3, Scale 3=3, Scale 4=2

Film Noir, Carnival, Crime, Thriller

I can't believe I hadn't seen this film before--really? A film noir that escaped me when I was in film school? Well, I was compelled to watch this original before I saw the new remake that got so many award nominations.

This film wasn't a huge success at the time it was released but it has since become a classic. The lighting, editing, dialogue--all of it works so well at pushing you along and building up the suspense. Not a lot actually happens in this film--subtle things, slow build--but that works. At the end you are left with such a bittersweet and solemn feeling. A timeless story.

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