Nightmare Alley

2021 • 150 minutes

À propos de ce film

From visionary filmmaker Guillermo del Toro comes this noir-style psychological thriller starring Bradley Cooper and Cate Blanchett that's set against the dark backdrop of carnival life. When charismatic but down-on-his-luck Stanton Carlisle (Cooper) endears himself to clairvoyant Zeena(Toni Collette) and her has-been mentalist husband Pete (David Strathairn) at a traveling carnival, he crafts what seems to be a golden ticket to success. The more he uses his newly acquired knowledge to grift the wealthy elite of 1940s New York society, the more his ambition grows. Soon, with the virtuous Molly (Rooney Mara) loyally by his side, Stanton plots to con a dangerous tycoon (Richard Jenkins) with the aid of a mysterious psychiatrist (Blanchett), who might turn out to be his most formidable opponent yet. Also included in the all-star cast of NIGHTMARE ALLEY are Willem Dafoe, Ron Perlman and Mary Steenburgen. Master storyteller del Toro directed the taut thriller, which he co-wrote with Kim Morgan, based on the novel by William Lindsay Gresham.

Notes et avis

Part of the scenery is reminiscent of "American Horror Story" on FX Channel. They had one season all about Carnies/Pop-up Fairs; and I'd be surprised if they didn't use parts from their sets. Regardless, this film has GREED for its theme, alongside gruesome acts to obtain success/wealth. I gave it three stars because the storyline was a bit drab and I couldn't relate/believe with most of the acting; except for Cate Blanchett. Guillermo del Torros makes amazing movies; unfortunately, this wasn't.

It was okay. It really never got into a "horror" element. More of a psychological confidence movie with a touch film noir. The decisions, and respective consequences, were a bit more obvious than I was hoping and the foreshadow scenes ruined the final ending. The acting was good but the director choices turned this into a "just okay" movie

Amazing movie! Very true to the original. Amazing performances and of course direction. Guillermo is in fine form with this dark, tragic tale.