This psychological thriller opened to dismal reviews and did very little box office. Having seen it, the hostile reaction against it makes you want to seize the critics by the scruff of their necks and slam them against a wall for their lack of comprehension and recognition of superior and original talent. This is a dazzling movie, with so many tricks of story telling and directing that one is left astounded. Yes, it needs patience as the story is not an easy one to follow - but the payoff is well worth it. The acting is brilliant. Gosling and McGregor give riveting performances as a suicidal student and the psychologist trying to save him. Naomi Watts illuminates the screen with every scene in which she appears. David Benioff's script is a maze of layered logic that at times is infuriating to try and fathom but by the end one is filled with admiration for his craftsmanship. Beautifully directed with segues such as one has not seen on screen before. Well worth the time and effort.
