Kevin Spacey has made a career out of playing losers who struggle to find themselves, but in each turn he manages to make the character fresh.
**Possible Spoiler**
The Shipping News is the story of Quoyle, (Spacey) a man who has been used and abused all of his life. Circumstances occur that leave him alone in the world with a 6 year old daughter to care for, until a long lost aunt (Dench) he has never known shows up at his door. He and his daughter follow her on her journey to their ancestral home in Newfoundland where he attempts to better his life and the life of his daughter, and battle with the demons in both his own past and that of his ancestors.
This is a small film with a rich bevy of supporting characters. If it weren't for these characters the movie would not be nearly as interesting. The excellent script also compliments the cast in a way that allows the film to transcend other "small quirky town" films. And, as always Kevin Spacey owns his role in such a way that you cannot imagine another actor playing the part - especially important in this film because he is featured in most of the film's scenes.
It took a long time for me to finally see this film because while I am a Kevin Spacey fan, the film seemed to be yet another treatment of the fish out of small town water piece. After having seen the film, however I see that I clearly made an incorrect assumption - this is a very good drama that makes for thought-provoking viewing.
--Shelly
**Possible Spoiler**
The Shipping News is the story of Quoyle, (Spacey) a man who has been used and abused all of his life. Circumstances occur that leave him alone in the world with a 6 year old daughter to care for, until a long lost aunt (Dench) he has never known shows up at his door. He and his daughter follow her on her journey to their ancestral home in Newfoundland where he attempts to better his life and the life of his daughter, and battle with the demons in both his own past and that of his ancestors.
This is a small film with a rich bevy of supporting characters. If it weren't for these characters the movie would not be nearly as interesting. The excellent script also compliments the cast in a way that allows the film to transcend other "small quirky town" films. And, as always Kevin Spacey owns his role in such a way that you cannot imagine another actor playing the part - especially important in this film because he is featured in most of the film's scenes.
It took a long time for me to finally see this film because while I am a Kevin Spacey fan, the film seemed to be yet another treatment of the fish out of small town water piece. After having seen the film, however I see that I clearly made an incorrect assumption - this is a very good drama that makes for thought-provoking viewing.
--Shelly