Peacock like many other films about emotionally disturbed individuals is a character study, however strong performances by the lead actors and Michael Lander's visual storytelling push it to be something of a delightful anomaly.
Peacock is a portrait of a man, John Skillpa who is a victim of child abuse, played expertly by the Irish thespian Cillian Murphy. He is also suffering from a great loss, and in his grief he invents an alter ego by the name of Emma. What is notable about Murphy's dual role is his attention to detail - differentiating the withdrawn and short tempered John from the graceful and attentive Emma, demonstrating his skill as an actor and not solely relying on the magic of movie makeup. Cillian Murphy has established himself as one of the most under-appreciated and under-rated actors of his generation. The supporting cast of Bill Pullman, Susan Sarandon and Ellen Page give nuanced portrayals of rural folk in 1960s Nebraska.
Enigmatic, elegant and poignant.
There is no spectacular twist at the end, and frankly this film does not need one. If one pays careful attention to the narrative it is neither convoluted nor patronizing to the audience. A masterful feature film debut by Lander, it is a wonder this was not picked up for wider distribution. If Hitchcock made Psycho a drama in the 2000s, this would be it.
Peacock is a portrait of a man, John Skillpa who is a victim of child abuse, played expertly by the Irish thespian Cillian Murphy. He is also suffering from a great loss, and in his grief he invents an alter ego by the name of Emma. What is notable about Murphy's dual role is his attention to detail - differentiating the withdrawn and short tempered John from the graceful and attentive Emma, demonstrating his skill as an actor and not solely relying on the magic of movie makeup. Cillian Murphy has established himself as one of the most under-appreciated and under-rated actors of his generation. The supporting cast of Bill Pullman, Susan Sarandon and Ellen Page give nuanced portrayals of rural folk in 1960s Nebraska.
Enigmatic, elegant and poignant.
There is no spectacular twist at the end, and frankly this film does not need one. If one pays careful attention to the narrative it is neither convoluted nor patronizing to the audience. A masterful feature film debut by Lander, it is a wonder this was not picked up for wider distribution. If Hitchcock made Psycho a drama in the 2000s, this would be it.