The Deep Blue Sea

In the remake of the 1955 original Rachel Weisz takes on the role that Vivien Leigh portrayed while Tom Hiddleston reminds the American audience that he isn't just a comic book villain as he attempts to earn a nomination much like Kenneth More did both on stage and the screen.  Terence Davies is the director of the latest adaptation of the Terence Rattigan play.  As with most adaptations of plays the story feels stiff and much more suited for the stage.  However, what Terence Davies has changed in this adaptation is taking the play out of a singular room on a singular day by instead breaking the film up into memories told through flashbacks. 

"The Deep Blue Sea" tells the story of Hester (Rachel Weisz), the young wife of Sir William Collyer (Simon Russell Beale), who has engaged in an affair with Freddie (Tom Hiddleston), a WWII veteran dealing with post war symptoms.  Freddie throws Hester's life in turmoil when he discovers  Hester attempted suicide and leaves her emotionally stranded and physically isolated.

I know that I am going to die, just accept that it isn't your fault.  It really isn't Freddie, you can't help who you are and I can't help who I am.

It can be difficult to follow the film, but the performances make up for the lack of cohesion caused by the series of flashbacks.  Simon Russell Beale is brilliant in his performance grasping for answers as to why his wife would have an affair as he feels it is a tragedy.  Even more impressive is Rachel Weisz and Tom Hiddelston who both demonstrate the anger, hatred and shame necessary for the role.  So far all the attention has been given to Rachel Weisz, who is very deserving for her cool, calm and collected performance.  However, Tom Hiddelston is equally deserving of a nomination. 

Sometimes it is difficult to tell the difference between the devil and the deep blue sea.  This isn't a perfect film, but the some of the parts exceed all expectations and is worthy of a 4 Quack rating and nominations.

Additionally, the violin concerto by Samuel Barber  that is performed by Hilary Hahn and the Saint Paul Chamber Orchestra is absolutely brilliant.

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