The studio A24 has made a name for itself by providing audiences with unique films that subvert their genre. Â The Witch, Swiss Army Man, and The Lobster are examples of a certain style of filmmaking this company encourages. Â These films lean heavily on character development but are combined with a note of abstract reality. Â A strange enough premise that invites us to learn more. Â Sometimes it pays off and other times the experience of seeing something completely new is your only reward. Â I applaud any effort to tackle original stories in ways we can’t imagine. Â It makes our time at the movie theater feel less predictable and more exciting. Â It also has a tendency to divide audiences. Â The latest feature from A24 will most likely not be universally loved by all.
In A Ghost Story, written and directed by David Lowery, a man (Casey Affleck) dies suddenly and tragically near his home. Â He later becomes a ghost, donning a white sheet with holes for eyes. Â His apparition does not move on and instead wanders his house, observing his wife’s (Rooney Mara) grief in silence. Â As time progresses the ghost steadfastly remains in order to discover its purpose before it can no longer remember. Â Is it love that keeps us nearby after death or the memory of what we used to be?
The movie is very straightforward. Â The ghost spends a great deal of time moving slowly about the house and other locations. Â He stares intently at everyone, but you can’t really ascertain his thoughts because of the sheet. Â It’s that lack of identity that makes the ghost so strangely upsetting. Â Is it still the man that died or is it just the echo of him?
Much of the film is silent and requires a great deal of patience. Â I’m all for scenes building suspense and increasing tension with drawn-out pauses and nervous characters, but this movie makes it difficult not to question the editing from time to time. Â One particular moment involving a pie lasts so long with no cuts or change in camera angles that you wonder why you’re still watching this movie. Â The director even hinted that this scene is meant to test a viewer’s interest. Â If they can sit through this, they have become immersed in the story and will see it through to the end. Â I’m not sure I was completely there, but I stayed because that’s my job. Â It is worth it though because the story goes off in an interesting direction I didn’t anticipate. Â It takes a while to get there so again be patient.
I usually have something to say about the performances of the actors, but this movie doesn’t focus on that. Â Anybody could have been under that sheet. Â The scenes where Casey Affleck actually has a face and body are few and far between. Â Rooney Mara is a great actress, but in this film, she is just present. Â The only real character in this movie besides the ghost is time. Â How time changes everything and shows us the futility of preservation; because eventually it all gets washed away or torn down. Â The most dialogue from any character in this movie is a partygoer at the home. Â He spends almost his entire screen time discussing his philosophy on life, the universe, and our legacy in it. Â It actually gives us a better perspective on the journey we are taking with this ghost.
A Ghost Story is not your typical indie film and it is definitely not a horror movie of any kind. Â I am glad I saw this movie, but I don’t think it warrants you visiting the theater. Â Unless you struggle to sit still at home for quiet movies and end up filling that silence by looking at your phone. Â In which case I would advise seeing this in the theater so you have no distractions. Â The movie is slow to get there, but it has strong moments you will miss if you aren’t paying close enough attention. Â Whatever emotion this movie stirs up is completely acceptable. Â I laughed several times, became frustrated, and also mesmerized. Â It’s that kind of unpredictability that makes me appreciate A24 films.
A Ghost Story: [yasr_overall_rating size=”large”]
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9pOh2ZoUui8
About A Ghost Story
Synopsis:Â In this singular exploration of legacy, love, loss, and the enormity of existence, a recently deceased, white-sheeted ghost returns to his suburban home to try to reconnect with his bereft wife.
Director: David Lowery
Writer: David Lowery
Stars: Casey Affleck, Rooney Mara
Rated: R
Runtime: 1 Hour, 32 Minutes