The question posed in Take Shelter is an intricate one: how thin is the line between intuition and insanity? Director Jeff Nichols utilizes superb cinematography and a suspense–filled plot to blur the distinction between delusion and reality, keeping viewers on edge until the film's final seconds. While the ending is not wholly satisfying, the complexity of the film’s topic is conveyed perfectly by the superior acting skills of Michael Shannon. Shannon stars in this mysterious drama as Curtis, a young, working–class husband and father whose mind is haunted by the sneaking suspicion that a storm of some kind is brewing on the horizon. The apocalyptic visions and prophetic dreams begin to consume him to the point where he suspects his own sanity, leaving him to question whether his obsession is justified paranoia or a psychotic breakdown. Now he must decide whether to protect his family from an impending storm or protect himself and his loved ones from his infected mind. The supporing cast, including Shea Whigham and Tree of Life’s Jessica Chastain, provide compelling performances that help to further question Curtis’s mental state. Set in the rural plains of Ohio, the cinematography powerfully brings the envisioned storm to life, effectively articulating his mental disorientation. Despite its plot points, this is by no means a fast–paced action movie or a thrilling disaster film. On the contrary, it is a drama focused on the battle between a man and his mind; thus, the scenes are predominantly introspective, capturing solitary moments that feature Curtis alone with his thoughts. The question of Curtis’ insanity is answered in the final scene of the movie, which leaves no time for an explanation of the consequences of this resolution. After two hours of scenes leading up to this tell–all reveal, the movie ends with the long–awaited answer followed by a rapid fade–out. Apart from the aggravating cliffhanger, Take Shelter explores the depths of the mind and human intuition in an intricate manner that leaves viewers reeling and begging for just a few minutes more.
Take Shelter Directed by: Jeff Nichols Starring: Michael Shannon, Jessica Chastain, Shea Whigham See if you liked: A Beautiful Mind (2001) Rated R, 120 min.
