Okay...the question is simply, "Why?" Everybody loves a thriller, and ever since Fatal Attraction, we've had several attempts at re-creating it. The problem is, if a sufficient story isn't developed (back to the importance of quality writing) even fine-ass Idris Elba can't save it.
Here's another production problem: casting. Now, I will preface this with saying I do not enjoy Beyonce's acting. I have tried to suffer through it in several films and have come up with one consistent thread--she don't BRING IT (aware of improper english usage). What Beyone needs is what Fantasia has--the willingness to get UGLY, and as they say in church "Give up the Ghost". Because she doesn't go there as an actor, her performances come off as empty. She does know timing, and how to hit her marks, which is more technical--and as a technical performer in general, Beyonce is quite adept, but this calls for more.
Now, onto the story. This situation, as it's set-up is quite believable. Derek Charles (Elba) doesn't create any boundaries around his temporary assistant Lisa (Larter), and is on some level attracted to her. Big deal. The problem is when he doesn't handle these situations where she shows herself to be "a lot left of right on", this makes me question the character's sense. He wasn't set-up to be a dummy, so it's quite challenging to see him navigate this situation so backwards--unless the writer and director were both trying to get Black People to talk to the screen despite several attempts by the movie industry to ask for silence before the film.
Another BIG problem **ATTENTION SPOILER** when this crazy woman kidnaps Beyonce's baby, and this woman is not mopped up immediately, it lets me know two things: this was not written by a Black Person, or even a woman. If I'm wrong, please tell me (IMDB says David Loughery, who also penned Lakeview Terrace with Sam J). You really have to know your audience on this and a rewrite was in order. I'm gettin' hot just thinking about it now, lol.
Overall, this film is NOT the 'T'...we have a situation where the trailer sold the film, and the film could've done much better with recasting and more development.
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that was an interesting take on the film. i thought Beyonce was interesting in the film. it was a different role for her. (maybe i'm biased :) but i was highly entertained... especially with the culminating fight scene in 5-inch stilettos!
ReplyDeletegreat review T.
I haven't seen the film, and the trailer did not rouse me enough to want to see it. I agree: Beyonce is not yet able to significantly deliver dramatic character; comprehensive training is needed here. Needless to say Director’s have accountability with regard to an actor’s performance. In response to your initial question “Why?”, we could go on, and on. I imagine someone had budget and didn’t know what to do with it? I suppose Fatal Attraction still holds the top spot of “psycho-stalker” thriller – for the past 22 years!
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