The Jacket (2005)

Sign of the times that we live in that Hollywood can turn any subject into formulaic banality, even when handed an example of pure brilliance from another century.

I cannot express how much I love this movie... or perhaps more importantly, why I love this movie. It's just a beautiful movie that makes you feel emotions both happy and sad. The acting and filmmaking are incredible. The plot is simple and even random in some regards, but it all works and the movie plays like a work of art.The enjoyment that I got from the Jacket is definitely different from the way that I enjoy most films. There is something greater to this film that most films don't offer. That being said, this is definitely one of my favorite films. It actually pains me a little that it has gotten so little recognition.

I am always on the look-out for movies that deviate from the norm, something new and refreshing. In that department, this movie delivers perfectly. It is part of the time-travel genre but approaches it with a very unique story. A war veteran is unjustly accused of murder and sentenced to an insane asylum due to his lapses in memory and other planted evidence by the real killer. The theme of unjust treatment always gets me interested and engaged, rooting for the character. But despite his suffering, he is increasingly conflicted when he's stuffed in the morgue drawer where he goes on a liberating journey while inside. Is it all in his mind?Adrien Brody's smile was very heart-warming and Kiera Knightley's acting as an unstable, lonely girl was very well done indeed, complimented by her sexy voice.The two hours passed quickly and I found myself wanting to know more, though clearly the movie ended on a perfect note. Watch it!

This is the 5th worst movie I have ever seen behind Lady in the Water, Swimfan, Wolf Creek, and the remake of Funny Games. The movie is disjointed and jarring but not in a good way. It is built up like there is something you are supposed to figure out or try to understand about what is going on, but the story is actually far less complex than that. Sound design is god awful. It goes back and forth between Adrien Brody, one of the least inspiring actors of all time, sobbing and whispering sweet nothings to himself and blaring loud cut scenes to what he experiences while in "The Jacket." Think Requiem for a Dream drug use montage... but awful, and very VERY VERY loud.I did not rate it a 1 because the only way a film can get that rating from me is if I literally have to turn the movie off without finishing it. I was able to sit through this entire movie, though I didn't enjoy it.