A Ghost Story, despite whatever its title may suggest, is not a
horror film. It’s more of a
philosophical arthouse drama with a supernatural twist that explores love, life, loss, and existence.
Directed and written by David
Lowery (the same guy behind Pete’s Dragon), it stars Casey Afleck and Rooney Mara as a couple who are suddenly torn
apart by a car accident. The deceased husband turns into a ghost, returning to
their house to become a passive observer of the grieving wife. He soon discovers that time now works differently
on him, and as he gradually transcends it, he sets off on an existential and
historical cosmic journey in search for closure and hope of rediscovering lost
love.
There’s a wonderful, moving
stylishness to it. While arthouse films are
sometimes susceptible to pretentiousness, this movie has a sense of
legitimacy. It truly puts the “art” on “arthouse.” It provokes thought and emotion, while emitting
beauty that appeals to the senses – as what great art does. It opts for a minimalist approach that
totally works, brought about by its small $100,000 budget and embodied by its
portrayal of the ghost: an actor covered in white sheet with two holes for the
eyes – not unlike a basic, makeshift ghost costume that a kid makes for
Halloween or play. In addition, it’s interestingly
shot in 1:33:1 aspect ratio, giving the film a sense of being boxed in, which is just
perfect for its look and motif.
So, yeah, I think A Ghost Story is worth a watch. It’s an original, poignant, insightful film that
rejects nihilism and encourages its audience to make life meaningful, even amid its pain and seeming pointlessness – or, at least, this is what I like to think the film’s
message is.
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