Movie Review: Take Shelter, A Review by Gary Dion

Title: Take Shelter
Director: Jeff Nichols
Actor(s): Michael Shannon, Jessica Chastain
Rated: R
Genre: drama, thriller, indie
Theme: Apocalypse, mental illness
Runtime: 120 minutes
DVD Release Date: 14 February 2012
Website: Take Shelter
Buy: Amazon.com
Gary's Rating:


Synopsis: Following his acclaimed debut, Shotgun Stories, writer/director Jeff Nichols reteams with actor Michael Shannon to create a haunting tale that will creep under your skin and expose your darkest fears. Curtis LaForche lives in a small town in Ohio with his wife, Samantha, and daughter, Hannah, a six-year-old deaf girl. When Curtis begins to have terrifying dreams, he keeps the visions to himself, channeling his anxiety into obsessively building a storm shelter in his backyard. His seemingly inexplicable behavior concerns and confounds those closest to him, but the resulting strain on his marriage and tension within his community can’t compare with Curtis’s privately held fear of what his dreams may truly signify. Take Shelter features fully realized characters crumbling under the weight of real-life problems. Using tone and atmosphere to chilling effect, Nichols crafts a powerful psychological thriller that is a disturbing tale for our times.

Gary Dion's Review: I was looking forward to seeing the new movie titled "Take Shelter" starring the little known actor Michael Shannon. Unfortunately, I was a bit disappointed. Michael Shannon was superb as a man who is having visions of approaching doom and danger, but are they visions of what's to come or of what is being distorted in his mind? Since his character's mother was diagnosed with mental problems, did he inherit these traits?

The movie is a big mystery, keeps you guessing what's going on and wondering what's real. There are many intriguing scenes and tense moments but the trip in between these are too long and wearing. In the end, there is a worth while finale but by that time I was ready to go to bed. 30 minutes or so shorter may have allowed the movie to move along a little better but at least the performances by both Michael Shannon and Jessica Chastain (who plays his wife) were worth watching. Just be ready for some down time if you do wish to partake in this film.

Reviewed By: Gary Dion

Like Gary Dion's review? Check out his author & book recommendation post HERE and check out his Guest Blogger Information HERE.

Mia's tidbit: Have you watched Take Shelter but can't make sense of the ending? Stay tuned for my Saturday post on what people are saying about the "ambiguous" ending and why I think there is no ambiguous ending!

2/20/12 **UPDATE** My Take Shelter Analysis has been put on hold! I will update everyone when it gets posted!