by Shane Conto, Staff Writer
Benedict Cumberbatch… strange and surreal cat paints… a biopic… what a combo! Amazon has quite the new film coming on the horizon in the form of The Electrical Life of Louis Wain. In a cinematic world full of standard biopics that feel like greatest hits of their subject’s lives, what makes this one any different? Amazon delivers this new film that channels the energy of its subject to provide a unique cinematic experience. Imagine a biopic… but set in a world not too unfamiliar to Wes Anderson? What an interesting prospect!
But does The Electrical Life of Louis Wain avoid your standard tropes of biopics? From a narrative standpoint, not quite. The main gripe I have is that it zips along at times feeling like it is more concerned with covering ground than digging deeper into its subject matter. There are some points in Wain’s life that felt brushed over or resolved so quickly. But that is the narrative restriction of creating a film that runs around two hours. There are points where the pacing is so quick that certain issues and roadblocks are flipped so quickly. This isn’t a particularly terrible thing that will get in the way of your enjoyment, but it is something that makes it a shallower experience to watch.
If not narratively, how does The Electrical Life stand out as a film? Writer-director Will Sharpe can create a visually immersive experience with his film. The use of colors is impressive as random rays of color that match the thematic uses of prisms brings a unique look to the film. The color and graininess of the film brings a vintage look that you usually see in the films of Anderson. This visual style is a great match for the quirky nature of Wain himself. Every frame is textured and a wonder to look at. Certain shots are wonderful in the way they are truly unique and otherworldly (this includes a shot of Wain running in the thunder and rain). The zaniness of the film is one of the standout aspects as you are taken on a strange or humorous ride that highlights the strangeness of life. Wain’s surrealist perspective on the world is channeled well on screen, including the recreations of his work that are presented.
But there is one main reason why you watch this film: Louis Wain himself. Wain is presented in a way that highlights his presence as different compared to the rest of the people in the world. We see his perspective, and the world is seen through his eyes. Did he hear voices? Did he have autism? It is probably easier for audiences today to have thoughts on this, but the film shows the struggles this man had in his own time because he did not fit in. We experience his unique approach to relationships including an endearing romance with his wife (even if it did not last as he would have hoped). His reactions to his environment are interesting and occasionally hilarious (swimming… that is all I will say). Cumberbatch’s performance is bold and manic and uses his acting talents to create a character on screen that is hard to look away from. His choices make every moment worth watching and there are plenty of emotions above and below the surface.
But what about the rest of the cast? Do they match Cumberbatch’s energy? Claire Foy shows she is quite the talent as she brings quirks and idiosyncrasy to her performance that makes for a perfect match with Cumberbatch. When they are both on screen together, there is a special feeling of energy that matches the creativity of the filmmaker. Andrea Riseborough is given the thankless job of being Wain’s sister who is always playing the killjoy of his strange life. But her performance has heft and emotion behind every scene. Toby Jones is a fun addition in the film and there are plenty of small yet interesting appearances by some quite talented performers.
With all its quirks and beauty, does The Electrical Life of Louis Wain deliver? 100%. Like I stated above, the film does fall into quite a few tropes of biopics, but the filmmaking and the characters involved make this unique in many ways. Amazon has a winner on their hands, and I would not be surprised to see this film make a few different people winners come awards season. Here’s looking at you, Mr. Cumberbatch.
Grade: A-
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