Secret Window
Published July 11, 2004
Secret Window is a work supported by the acting. This gem of a film has been maligned from critics and viewers alike, and I'd like to know why. It was tightly written, if not original, well paced, without being slow, and features another fantastic performance from Johnny Depp. I think some of it stems from the fact that this is a Stephen King adaptation, and we all know how many King based movies are any good.
The movie is about Morton Rainey, a soon to be divorced author who has secluded himself in a cabin while trying to work through some serious writer's block. He is also visited by a stranger who claims that he stole his story, and we are introduced to John Shooter (John Turturro). The story is not terribly original, but what the film hangs on is the nice deliberate pacing, and the incredible portrayal of Rainey.
David Koepp, who adapted the screenplay from the King novella, directs the film with a steady hand. There are a few nice visual flourishes, including a very nice tracking shot early on that also gives a hint of things to come. There is very little in the way of special effects, the story just doesn't need it. The dialogue is nice, a lot of funny touches. Koepp is no stranger to this type of film, the slightly claustrophobic thrillers, having previously helmed Stir of Echoes and Trigger Effect, not to mention writing the screenplay for David Fincher's Panic Room.
Johnny Depp, what more can I say, he is one of the best actors working today. The little touches he brings to Rainey. The jaw movements, talking to his dog, the mannerisms. I am sure a lot of it was written into the script, but I am also sure that Depp improvised a lot. The supporting cast is rounded out with Maria Bello as his wife, Timothy Hutton as the slimy boyfriend, and Charles S. Dutton as a PI helping Rainey out. Also let us not forget John Turturro as the mysterious John Shooter, the southern hick with the unfinished story.
Christopher Beaumont spends much of his time writing about entertainment when he isn't sitting in a movie theater. He is known around the office as the "Movie Guy" and is always ready to talk about his favorite form of entertainment and offer up recommendations. Interests include science fiction, horror, and metal music. His writings can be found at Draven99's Musings. 
- Secret Window
- Published: July 11, 2004
- Type:
- Section: Video
- Filed Under: Video: Suspense and Mystery, Video: Drama
- Writer: Chris Beaumont
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ok, comment moderator begs you: no spoilers in comments.
sorry, you can delete it if you want.
I haven't seen the film, but I read the novella more than once. It's...okay. Not King's best, or even close.
I agree Depp is a fine actor. Perhaps this is a rare case in which the movie is better than the book. I may have to find out for myself...
too late. Already had to read it and moderate it. sigh. trying to forget so I am not opening it again. :)
Ms.Justene,You aren't really going to be
censoring "spoilers" are you ???????????
That's just WAAAY out of line if that's
the case.
No censoring. That's why there was begging. I want to see this on DVD with the daughter and have studiously avoided reviews.
That's cool then.Understandable as well if you haven't seen the film.I was a bit
taken back,as that seemed like it was a
bit out of integrity for the site.
Continued good luck with your work here.
I wasn't sure how to say one movie is a rip-off of another movie without giving something away. But there are differences, and I still recommend it.
(and there's symbolic corn in this one too, but no children running around in it).
Add your comment, speak your mind
(Or ping: http://blogcritics.org/mt/tb/17325)
We watched this last night. As usual, Depp was superb, he's one of my fav actors. Just under 30 minutes into the movie though, I had figured out who the evil one was. The only twist that caught us by surprise was in the last minute of the movie.
Stephen King isn't very original anymore. I knew Charles Dutton would be a victim, didn't know it would be an axe just like Scatman Crothers in the Shining. 'Shooter' written all over the walls and the desk was 'all work and no play..' from the Shining. Without wanting to give away the main thread in the movie, even that was very reminiscent of the Shining, though.
Figuring out who was the only one capable of burning down the house, and why Tom Greenleaf's days were numbered, etc. was pretty easy to do.
It was an average movie, filled with rehashed Stephen King plots and twists, only made watchable if you are a Depp fan. Just my opinion.