The Pale Blue Eye Movie: A Review
Finding the perfect movie to watch can be a challenging task, especially when you are scrolling through endless titles. Each genre has its own unique style, plot, and message. One particular movie that stands out to viewers is The Pale Blue Eye. This 2007 film is set in the early 1800s, and features a murder mystery with a captivating plot and great visuals. The Pale Blue Eye is a must-see and this review gives insight on why this movie continues to draw the attention of viewers across the world.
Plot of The Pale Blue Eye
The Pale Blue Eye is set in Ft. Leavenworth, a military post on the Missouri frontier, in the year 1830. Louis Cheney (played by Christian Berkel) is a veteran police officer working on a case involving the military institute’s cadets. When a cadet is found dead, he and the local minister, Augustus Henderson (Billy Crudup), are asked to find the killer. Together, they work to solve the case, using the pastor’s unique combination of science and spirituality to uncover the secrets of the dead.
The movie follows the development of their friendship and shares the story of how the clues behind the mystery of the murder are slowly revealed. In the end, they uncover the truth behind the murder, while discovering that they have more in common than they initially thought. While The Pale Blue Eye is first and foremost a murder mystery, its scope goes beyond that. It has a humanistic bent to it, allowing viewers to travel by time and experience 18th century America and the way society operated in that era.
A Truly Incredible Cast
At the front of The Pale Blue Eye’s incredible work is the impressive cast of characters. Christian Berkel is perfect as Louis Cheney, the veteran police officer working on the case. Although there is an old-world urgency to his cause, he is able to keep his demeanor light. This allows him to interact effectively with the Reverend Henderson (played by Billy Crudup) in a way that facilitates a smooth bond between the two. Crudup’s experience as a serious actor also allows him to play the pastor flawlessly. In addition to Berkel and Crudup, Graham Greene and Hal Holbrook also take part in the film. Greene plays Captain Ibbitt, the commanding officer at the military post, with aplomb and Holbrook is excellent as a reverend with a mysterious past.
In total, the ensemble cast serve the film very well and contribute to the overall tone and pacing of the movie.
Exquisite Cinematography
The cinematography of The Pale Blue Eye is simply gorgeous. The film boasts beautiful shots of Fort Leavenworth, as well as the village in which Cheney and Henderson search for clues. The cold winter scenes are particularly impressive, particularly a shot of the frozen river at night. Not only are the outdoor shots admirable, but emphasis is also given to the interiors of the film. There is great focus on how the characters interact with the environments around them, and this helps to strengthen the themes of the movie.
The Great Music
The Pale Blue Eye also features an impressive and entrancing score. The music helps to give the movie its old-world feel, while also setting the mood of the mystery. The compositions feature a mix of moody strings, passionate flamenco, eastern European instruments, and a little bit of avant-garde. The combination of all these elements helps to create a truly emotional score.
A Solid Story
The Pale Blue Eye packs a solid story that fits nicely with the overall theme of the movie. Not only does it feature a great ensemble cast and a beautiful score, but it also slowly reveals the mystery of the murder as the movie progresses. This helps to keep the viewer captivated until the very end.
The Pale Blue Eye is a great movie that is sure to keep viewers entertained. With its captivating plot, incredible visuals, fantastic score, and great actors, the movie remains a masterpiece. If you’re looking for a movie that is both intelligent and captivating, The Pale Blue Eye is the perfect choice.