6 Souls
2.5/4
Starring: Julianne Moore, Jonathan Rhys Meyers, Jeffrey DeMunn, Nate Corddry, Brooklyn Proulx, Frances Conroy
Rated R for Violent Content, Disturbing Images and Terror
The problem with mysteries that deal with the supernatural is that they have to end. Many films that dabble in this genre build anticipation only to fumble when all is revealed. "6 Souls" falls into that trap; it's creepy for the most of the way, but when the answers come, the movie collapses entirely.
Dr. Cara Harding (Moore) is a respected psychiatrist who believes that multiple personality disorder is a myth concocted by fakers and crackpot quacks. Her father (Demunn) believes that there are things about the human mind that no one knows, and to prove it, he introduces Cara to a new patient of his (Rhys Meyers), who for all appearances is two different people trapped in the same body. There's the kindly, crippled David, but also the abrasive Adam. Cara is intrigued, but the deeper she digs, the more danger she is in.
One thing, or two for that matter, that the film does right is the casting. Julianne Moore is one of Hollywood's most respected actresses (for good reason), and Jonathan Rhys Meyers doesn't get half the attention he deserves. They're both quite good here, doing a lot with a screenplay that could have used another run through the computer. Rhys Meyers has the trickier job since he has to play multiple different characters while never coming across as gimmicky. He nails it. Moore provides a solid anchor for the audience, which is all that is required for the role. It's beneath her, but then again, few screenplays could say they make use of her limitless talent.
"6 Souls" delivers on the thrills and chills front. There were definitely times when I was looking over my shoulder and at one point I just turned my bed lamp on. Yet at the same time, there are some obvious lapses in common sense on the part of the screenwriter, Michael Cooney. For example, how is a mental patient able to walk out of the hospital of his own accord? Repeatedly, I might add. Aren't there some legal and civil consequences from such lapses in security? I was surprised that Cooney also wrote "Identity," a much smarter and scarier thriller. This one isn't in the same league.
But all that good will goes out the window once the truth about Cara's mysterious patient is revealed. As soon as people start talking about witch doctors, the film ceases to make any sense. It's not the resolution itself I have a problem with, but how it was handled. The writing is so bad that even with a thorough explanation of what's going on, nothing makes any sense.
"6 Souls" is just another movie that is good at the setup, but unravels at the end. Shame.
Starring: Julianne Moore, Jonathan Rhys Meyers, Jeffrey DeMunn, Nate Corddry, Brooklyn Proulx, Frances Conroy
Rated R for Violent Content, Disturbing Images and Terror
The problem with mysteries that deal with the supernatural is that they have to end. Many films that dabble in this genre build anticipation only to fumble when all is revealed. "6 Souls" falls into that trap; it's creepy for the most of the way, but when the answers come, the movie collapses entirely.
Dr. Cara Harding (Moore) is a respected psychiatrist who believes that multiple personality disorder is a myth concocted by fakers and crackpot quacks. Her father (Demunn) believes that there are things about the human mind that no one knows, and to prove it, he introduces Cara to a new patient of his (Rhys Meyers), who for all appearances is two different people trapped in the same body. There's the kindly, crippled David, but also the abrasive Adam. Cara is intrigued, but the deeper she digs, the more danger she is in.
One thing, or two for that matter, that the film does right is the casting. Julianne Moore is one of Hollywood's most respected actresses (for good reason), and Jonathan Rhys Meyers doesn't get half the attention he deserves. They're both quite good here, doing a lot with a screenplay that could have used another run through the computer. Rhys Meyers has the trickier job since he has to play multiple different characters while never coming across as gimmicky. He nails it. Moore provides a solid anchor for the audience, which is all that is required for the role. It's beneath her, but then again, few screenplays could say they make use of her limitless talent.
"6 Souls" delivers on the thrills and chills front. There were definitely times when I was looking over my shoulder and at one point I just turned my bed lamp on. Yet at the same time, there are some obvious lapses in common sense on the part of the screenwriter, Michael Cooney. For example, how is a mental patient able to walk out of the hospital of his own accord? Repeatedly, I might add. Aren't there some legal and civil consequences from such lapses in security? I was surprised that Cooney also wrote "Identity," a much smarter and scarier thriller. This one isn't in the same league.
But all that good will goes out the window once the truth about Cara's mysterious patient is revealed. As soon as people start talking about witch doctors, the film ceases to make any sense. It's not the resolution itself I have a problem with, but how it was handled. The writing is so bad that even with a thorough explanation of what's going on, nothing makes any sense.
"6 Souls" is just another movie that is good at the setup, but unravels at the end. Shame.
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