The Astronaut's Wife
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Movie Reviews of The Astronaut's Wife
Movie Review: An Underrated Gem
Summary: 4 Stars
Heres the story : Astronaut goes into outer space, is possessed by an alien, comes back to earth and impregnates his clueless wife, and then spends the last ten minutes trying to kill her when she attempts to abort her alien twins.
It sounds fascinating, but is made all the more interesting here because of the stage-like direction, and dark, gothic cinematography. The production is just gorgeous. It is a science fiction film unlike any other, because it negates special effects in favor of more psychological suspense, which definitely works to its' benefit.
If you watch closely however, its amazing how little time Johnny Depp is actually on screen. Charlize Theron owns this movie. This is probably the only film I like her in other than "Aeon Flux". At the end of it, think of this like a dark, violent Science Fiction movie directed with the loving lethargy befitting a Jane Austen novel. This is a good thing, in this case.
I have to say, like "The Ninth Gate" before it, this is one cinematic event that has gone by totally missed by major audiences. Not quite an epic, but a classy work on its own, I highly recommend this film.
Anything Johnny Depp in is different, and this remains his only Science Fiction film. Get it if just for that novelty. Its worth it.
Movie Review: Sci-fi psychological horror film...
Summary: 4 Stars
"The Astronaut's Wife" (1999) is directed by Rand Ravich. The beginning of the film is reminiscent of the 1955 sci-fi horror film "The Creeping Unknown" as the astronauts encounter an alien entity in space which possesses them. Like other alien possession films part of the drama is about how the host changes his identity and how those around them gradually realize that the person they thought they knew is no longer that person. In this film Johnny Depp is the astronaut (Spencer) who returns to earth and his wife (Jillian)is played by Charlize Theron. This well acted and directed psychological horror film draws us into the hell Jillian discovers as the world she knew is turned upside down. Some other films with related themes include "Invasion of the Body Snatchers", "The Stepford Wifes", "I Married a Monster From Outer Space", and "Rosemary's Baby".
There was an alternate "positive" ending filmed but it doesn't appear on this DVD. This DVD also doesn't have any extras except for film biographies. I was hoping to get this film on blu-ray, but since it isn't currently available in that format I purchased the DVD and I was pleasantly surprised with the quality. This is a very clean print that it is exceptionally sharp for a DVD, even better looking than some blu-rays I have purchased.
Movie Review: Depp Creepy, Therone Beautiful
Summary: 4 Stars
Whoa, lots of negativity floating around about this film. Watching the film for the first time, totally unaware even of the genre of movie I was watching, I was totally dragged along by it. The appeal to me was seeing a sci-fi feature unravel with minimal effects. I also thought that it was an incredible role for Depp. This was the film that made me a Depp fan. His character was disarming and terrifying. The cinematography was spare and relevant to the story, and the direction was superb. Cases in point, the scene near the end with Depp descending the stairs dragging his wedding band on the rail...the brief glimps of Depp "whispering" to Jillian's sister. And it's got Charlize Theron in it! Okay, okay, there WAS the recurring in utero scene, but you just have to roll your eyes and move on -- they didn't invest heavily on effects. If you're looking for a sci-fi-horror film with drooling scaly things that spit acid and laser beams (and that have ONLY ONE WEAKNESS!!!), this is not the film for you. If you don't like to use your imagination after you are done watching the movie, this is not the film for you. If you simply want to be entertained, well, this movie totally freaked me out and haunted me for days.Movie Review: Good Acting, Good Suspense
Summary: 4 Stars
Two astronauts lose contact with NASA for two full minutes during a routine repair operation on a satellite. What happened during those two minutes becomes the center focus of this movie. Spencer (played by Depp) and his partner return to Earth, but the partner dies and Spencer isn't quite the same. That isn't apparent at first until a former NASA employee tries to contact Jillian (played by Theron). Then the movie takes a sinister turn. Is Jillian crazy, or is she pregnant with alien twins?I enjoyed the performance of Depp and Theron. They have a chemistry that I haven't seen between two actors in a long time. The special effects were good, but I had to turn up the volume to hear the actors' voices over the sound. I give this movie four stars because of the climax. Rather than give it away, I'll say that it didn't fit with the natural laws of science. Otherwise, I enjoyed the movie. It has a cliffhanger, which suggests a sequel.
Movie Review: Engages the viewer and never let's go
Summary: 4 Stars
although the film does drag in a few spots. I think that part of what makes this film work is the fact that you never are completely sure about what type of event occurred in outer space. The connection to other worlds is implied but never really solidified. It was nice to not have been spoon fed all of the details. More films should take this approach as the unseen and imagined is always more frightening than the obvious.I applaud the filmakers because I felt like i've never seen a film like this before. In my mind it is truely original if not completely satisfying. But an enjoyable movie experience in any case.
As a viewer the fact that I was still interested in seeing what happens with just minutes remaining in the film is a testament to the quality of the effort. But one certainly must keep an open mind to appreciate the unorthodox nature of the film.
I wouldn't rate it as a purchase but it's certainly a must see film.