“Lady In the Water” (Warner Brothers)
Not As Much Entertaining As Interesting
M Night Shyamalan has had great success with his previous movies “The Sixth Sense,” “Unbreakable,” “Signs,” and “The Village.” Now he takes on a fairy tale for adults with “Lady In the Water.” This interesting if not overly entertaining film stars Paul Giamatti and Bryce Dallas Howard. Their talent plus the unique aspects of the story make this a movie to be appreciated.
The film takes place in Philadelphia at a hotel where Cleveland Heep (Giamatti) is the building superintendent/caretaker. One night he is awakened by the sound of someone swimming in the pool outside his room. He discovers a young woman who calls herself Story (Howard). He learns that she is a “narf,” which is a water sprite from the waterworld.
The rest of the film concerns Heep’s efforts to protect Story and also to help her safely return to her world. This requires Heep to enlist the aid of various people who live and/or staying at the hotel. There are certain people who can help Story in her quest but Heep has to determine who they are and what their special talents are in relation to her.
Some of the people he asks for help include a writer (Shyamalan taking an acting role), a woman who cares for animals (Mary Beth Hurt), a crossword puzzle addict (Jeffery Wright), and a film critic (Bob Balaban). The fact they quickly agree to help a water sprite, and without question, destroys some of the believability of the film – even if it is a fairy tale.
Giamatti is excellent as Heep. He is one of the best character actors in Hollywood and grows as an actor with each unique role he undertakes. Usually he is seen in supporting roles but in this film he has the lead and is the main focus of everything that occurs. He is totally believable in all aspects of his role and when he has an emotional breakdown of sorts at he end of the movie his performance is overpowering.
Howard is otherworldly as Story. She has the mystical look of a creature from another place while still having all human features. One problem with Howard’s performance is she speaks so softly and so indistinctly it is difficult to understand what she says. On the DVD it will be easier to appreciate her role as you will be able to control the volume.
Shyamalan is good as the writer who has his future revealed. His performance is not outstanding but it is adequate. Balaban has some acerbic moments as the stuffy film critic.
The film is rated PG-13 for violence and some scary sequences.
“Lady In the Water” is a film that is easier to appreciate for its uniqueness than to enjoy for its presentation. All of the discussion about the plot that the characters have bog down the movement of the film. Still in the end it has a magical quality that makes you reflect on it positively.
Giamatti’s performance is a standout and Howard is beautifully surreal in her role. Combined with the intelligent presentation of the story, the movie is better than you expect.
I scored “Lady In the Water” a rippling 6 out of 10.
