Peacock

I really did like this film from almost start to finish, the acting by all involved is fantastic with some great people involved. Not easy subject matter but it was co-ordinated very, very well. I will not spoil it but i felt as though the whole film was building up to something, and at the end i just felt cheated. On the whole a quite unusual film with a good narrative, i just feel it could have been left with something very different at the end.

This movie was excellent. The plot was deeper than you would believe. (not according to the vapid response from the first reviewer, which led to my review) Cillian Murphy plays a deeply emotionally disturbed individual, when brought out of his normal routine in his life is faced to deal with who, what and whom he will become. The suspense of such a psychologically deep and suspenseful story will keep anyone with the intellectual capacity to understand said story on the edge of their seats.

I for one would highly recommend it.

And yes Cillian Murphy's performance is.... breathtaking

"Peacock" is an extremely strange movie. It is based in a small town called "Peacock" where John (Cillian Murphy) is a bank employee and leads a solitary life. What everyone is unaware of is that John dresses up as a woman(calling self Emma) very morning and does all the household chores like cooking breakfast, making lunch, cleaning the house, washing clothes etc. After that, "Emma" dresses up as "John" and begins his day by eating the breakfast, putting on neat clothes, taking the lunch box (all prepared by "Emma"). This routine of "Emma" and "John" continues everyday with no one being aware of the presence of "Emma".Until one day, due some incident, "Emma" comes to the attention of the entire town and everyone thinks of "Emma" as "John's wife". As a result, "John" starts playing "Emma" more often than earlier to avoid unwanted scenarios and a lot happens showcasing "John" troubled mental health and his struggle to keep up with both "John" and "Emma".

Cast-wise, it's a plethora of talent. Cillian Murphy has always been prodigious actor. It's unfortunate that his performance in this movie didn't get the recognition it deserves. His was probably one of the best performances in the decade. Susan Sarandon, Ellen Page, Josh Lucas all have a small, yet pivotal role, played with intent and unfeigned.

"Peacock" explores the fragile and unstable mental health of "John" due to an abusive and extremely reserved childhood. It's clear that "John" is suffering from Multiple Personality Disorder, but the way both his personalities "John" and "Emma" competes with each others aspects, how they are aware of each others presence but do nothing to avoid it, how both have contrasting perceptions and beliefs, how both try to undo matters done by the other etc are portrayed superbly, but the overall premise is subject to multiple explanations.

Overall, "Peacock" strangeness lies in the fact that it offers or rather viewer can perceive multiple explanations for the turn of events in the movie. Having said that, "Peacock" is a satisfying watch, courtesy of Cillian Murphy.

My Verdict: 7/10

This film is about a young man whose life is radically changed by the death of his mother.

"Peacock" seems very slow at first, but as the story progresses, it becomes so captivating. The story follows John and the split personality called Emma. The two personalities fight with each other to control the situation. The abrupt ending encourages viewers to think hard about what happens in the film and makes viewers postulate what would happen next. It's clever story telling. Acting by Cillian Murphy is amazing, he is so at ease as Emma and so nervous as John.

The subject matter of "Peacock" may limit its popularity, which is a pity as this intriguing drama deserves wider recognition.

Nothing new here. Another reviewer already noted the travesty. This film circumvented theatrical release with direct to DVD. As far as I can tell, it wasn't even entered into film festivals.

And yet empty pop entertainment receives wide release and huge promo budgets. Guess "Peacock" didn't have the requisite action scene of a car driving through a fruit cart.

What a heartbreak for the actors. Particularly Mr. Murphy, who acted his guts out in this difficult role. His work was stellar. Bravo, Sir. I'll also wager you may never see another film that underscores Ellen Page' dramatic acting chops.

My question to those responsible for burying this film is, what the f@!k is wrong with you? With no title recognition, this gem will wither on Blockbuster shelves. Certainly, stranger and darker films are given a chance. Why not "Peacock?"

Make an effort to see this film. Then turn others on to it. It's not a masterpiece as some say, but it is a slow-building and amazing character study. If you can live without gunshots, high concepts and the venerable screeching car plowing fruit while pedestrians scatter and scream.