Under the lens takes a deep look at films and TV by focusing in on one or two particular areas of the picture or episode that helped to define it for better or for worse. Spoilers will be included in this review.
The Vanishing stars Peter Mullan Gerard Butler as lighthouse keepers who are stationed on the remote Flannan Isles who then find a hidden trunk of gold, which then leads to their mysterious disappearance. This story is based on the true story which occurred in 1900. The picture is at once a psychological thriller and drama that has some horror elements. The picture taps into the existential horror of being trapped on a lonely island.
Under The Lens: Acting and Script
Acting: This picture has some decent acting and Gerard Butler really tries to give his all to the script, he has nice chemistry with the other actors and does a good job showcasing a man who is descending into madness. Peter Mullan also produced a strong performance that reflects off the rest of the actors well.
Script: The picture’s main weakness is in its script, it’s plodding and very slow and the viewer feels every moment of its 107-minute runtime. The narrative is simply not engaging and rather boring, we all know how the picture will end by its halfway mark. It tries to alleviate the boredom by including some truly disturbing violence, which makes the viewer squirm a bit.
Highlights
Gerard Butler is a highlight as he seems to truly be trying to make this picture better, however, the limits of the script simply can’t be avoided.
The picture tells an interesting tale of true-life history, and its fun to go along and see a possible explanation for the disappearance.
Something to think about
Lighthouses are a favorite of horror films, what is another creepy location you would like to see in future horror pictures?
Conclusion
Overall The Vanishing was a very disappointing picture, its interesting cast, real-life shooting locations, and true story inspiration should have all come together to make this at the very least a fun and mysterious drama. However a poor script and unengaging narrative leave the viewer checking their watch and wishing that the three lighthouse keepers would just hurry up and vanish.