Wes's Grade: BWell-acted "The Disappearance of Eleanor Rigby" a compelling look at relationships
The new drama "The Disappearance of Eleanor Rigby" is an insightful relationship study highlighted by strong performances throughout. Unique in it's vision, it's talky and somewhat downbeat, but then it shows that none of us are perfect. Once happily married, Conor (James McAvoy) and Eleanor (Jessica Chastain) suddenly find themselves as strangers longing to understand each other in the wake of tragedy. The film explores the couple's story as they try to reclaim the life and love they once knew and pick up the pieces of a past that may be too far gone. Directed by Ned Benson in his debut as feature film director, "The Disappearance of Eleanor Rigby" explores truth and painful honesty in marriage and family, even when it hurts. Both McAvoy and Chastain in particular are strong, with their emotions felt throughout the film; Chastain is particularly effective in one of her more fully realized performances as the woman who happens to share a name with the famous Beatles song (yes, that's explained in the film). "Eleanor Rigby" also features a strong supporting cast, including William Hurt and Isabelle Huppert as Elle's parents; Viola Davis as one of her college instructors; Bill Hader, Ciaran Hinds and Archie Panjabi all in small but effective roles. "Eleanor Rigby" is superbly acted and the emotion is palpable and overall a satisfying effort, though it drags in the middle act and some might find it a challenge seeing two difficult people work through such tragic circumstances. Interestingly, "Eleanor Rigby" is part of a three film effort from Benson; one called "Him" which explores the situation from Conor's perspective and "Her" from Eleanor's perspective, and "Eleanor Rigby" seems much more an extension of the latter film. Worth a look for another solid Chastain performance.
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