Under the lens takes a deep look at films by focusing in on one or two particular areas of the picture that helped to define it for better or for worse. Spoilers will be included in this review.
Spinning Man is a mystery thriller from director Simon Kaijser and stars Guy Pearce, Pierce Brosnan, Minnie Driver. The story follows a happily married professor, known for having many affairs with students, who becomes the prime suspect when a young woman goes missing in his town.
Under The Lens: Temptation and subverted expectations
Temptation: A theme showcased in this motion picture, is the one of temptation, and how we are presented with choices every day. Guy Pearce’s professor is tempted to cheat on his wife all the time, and often it seems does fall for it, his character is perhaps a lesson to the rest of us regarding how we should react to temptation in our lives, and how if we fall to temptation we can lose everything including a grasp on reality.
Truth: Truth is at the heart of Spinning Man, and the question that is asked is the same question that the biblical character Pilate asked, “What is truth?”. The truth is a layered thing in this picture, we never actually know just what is going on, and at the conclusion, we are treated to a confession to a crime that is exposed for being not true, yet at the same time mya be the truth. In the end, we are treated to the truths that each character views reality, Guy Pearce’s truth is very much the reality for him, yet for the investigator played by Pierce Brosnan that truth is a falsehood and his own truth is the reality. So what is true and what is false? That may just be up to you the viewer to decide.
Highlights
The picture has a sense of dread to it that hangs over its narrative that leaves you guesses.
The stories ending is very original and very unexpected.
Both Guy Pearce and Pierce Brosnan turn in good performences and elevated the picture.
Something to think about
Do you think the conclusions of the investigator were correct? Or was there more to Guy Pearce’s confession?
Conclusion
Overall Spinning Man, is a strong noir mystery that twists and turns and makes the viewer question everything they thought about its characters by the end of the picture. Great performances and an interesting setting push this picture above the other films of its type.