The Goldfinch (2019)

2/5

ONE WORD REVIEW: DIFFICULT

Donna Tartt’s ‘The Goldfinch’ is translated to screen rather inconsistently by director John Crowley. While the novel has a linear approach to the narrative, the film takes the complete opposite approach, and in the process, lacks some key elements, such as the presentation of Theodore’s mother’s kindness. The cinematography is superb, by the renowned Roger Deakins, and the tension is maintained throughout fabulously. Unfortunately, the acting is over the top and exaggerated, even from talented performers such as Nicole Kidman. It often feels as though they have been directed to not speak as humans, but in a way to increase the tension, which works, but makes the film much worse than it could be.