Kaleidoscope

The plot might be considered confusing, although I understood it, felt very empty in alot of ways. Now the movie isn't bad and does have a subtle layer to it but it just never gets going. Some of the imagery is great and it's not shot badly at all. I think characters work on a more believable level. What I think doesn't work about the movie is that it's not really a horror or a thriller. It has potential to grip you but it fails to do so. It takes time to set every thing up but then never has the pay off. Some critics will say its underrated because its quirky ideas to story telling. To wider audience it will never hit. I think 5/10 is fair enough score but I can see it going either way. I wouod recommend you see this film however as it does take a different approach

I could see what they were trying to make but it just came off as boring and uninspired.

I watched Kaleidoscope because I love Anne Reid. The fact that Toby Jones starred was simply a bonus. As expected, the acting was wonderful. However, Toby's brother, Rupert Jones, contributed direction that was slow paced. I believe the kind term is "deliberate." Even given the heightened subject matter, the pace decreased any urgency created. This made the one hour and 40 minute running time seem much, much longer. Perhaps he was aiming for a slow burn. The burn simply didn't light. I do like the a-ha at the ending. The fact that not all questions are answered is also a plus.

Is it worth the slog? Sure. Reid and Toby Jones are great, as always. Just be prepared for a not-entirely-satisfactory cinematic experience.

Greetings again from the darkness. Why is it that estranged mothers always seem to show up when we are frantically trying to clean up all evidence of a murder that took place in our apartment? OK, maybe that's not really a common occurrence, but it's certainly at the heart of this Hitchcockian psychological mind-bender from writer/director Rupert Jones. His brother, the very talented and always interesting Toby Jones, stars as the quiet ex-con attempting to get his life on track.

A pre-credit opening scene has Carl (Toby Jones) borrowing an uncharacteristically flashy (and quite hideous) shirt from a helpful neighbor for his date which was arranged online. After passing out on the sofa, Carl discovers his date Abby (Sinead Matthews) dead in the bathroom and flashes back to a brief moment of violence. Both Carl and we viewers are disoriented – a sensation that sticks with us until the end credits roll.

An ominous voicemail leads to a visit from Carl's mother, played by Anne Reid. What follows are Mommy issues galore (on par with PSYCHO in this department). Mother and son have irreconcilable differences over something in the past, but she clearly understands his 'tendencies' better than he does – especially those related to women, alcohol and violence.

Director Jones has a very interesting visual style, as well as a unique approach to story-telling. He expects commitment and attention from viewers, and rewards those who play along. Despite the claustrophobic feel of Carl's apartment, there are some creative camera angles to go with the imposing nighttime shots of the building's exterior.

The three main actors are all excellent. Ms. Reid is a screen veteran who has spent most of her career on British projects, and she excels as the slightly creepy, dominant figure in Carl's life. Mr. Jones and Ms. Matthews, as Carl and Abby, have one exchange that really stands out. Abby: "You're a sneaky snake" Carl: "What do you think that makes you?" Abby: "Nasty" It's such a raw moment, and a turning point (along with the voicemail) in their evening. Much of our effort goes into slowly assembling the pieces and clues that are doled out along the way, and it takes a sharp eye to catch some of them … while we are challenged by others to determine if they are dreams, or actual memories. A kaleidoscope changes color, shape and perception as it's twisted – just like this movie. It's a fun ride if you enjoy the twists and turns of determining which parts of a nightmare are reality and which parts are something else.

Very good tour de fource of a killer Great acting , good script and images Why just a 5?