A Ghost Story delves into themes not usually explored in common films, providing a wholly unique and thought provoking experience that will leave you thinking about it long after the film ends.
“Academy Award winner Casey Affleck and Rooney Mara star as a young couple who – after being separated by loss – discover an eternal connection and a love that is infinite. An unforgettable meditation on love and grief, A Ghost Story emerges ecstatic and surreal – a wholly unique experience that lingers long after the credits roll.”
A Ghost Story stands out as one of the more unique films of the year, something you never knew you needed to see, but nonetheless an impactful film that, as the synopsis states, “lingers long after the credits roll”.
This isn’t going to be for everyone, as much of the film is silent, with no dialogue whatsoever. Adding to that, Casey Affleck acting from the literal manifestation of a ghost, underneath a sheet for 95% of the film, one would expect varying reactions from an audience, nearing the comical. As skeptical as I was going into it after only watching the trailer, I found that in this was not the case in the least, and the literal representation of the ghost having metaphorical meanings that will resonate differently with every viewer.
The main theme of the film, giving meaning to your life with what little time you have, as ultimately time will wash away any trace, may be a hard pill to swallow for some. Being an existential question that belittles the meaning of life can be very depressing, and is for most of the film. What sets this apart from everything else is the meaning you find despite this. As much as I enjoyed finding the meaning for myself in the film, the one part I didn’t much care for was a particularly long-winded monologue by a character of the film that neatly explains the theme for those who may not quite get it. The journey of the viewer should be just as important as the journey of the character, and not allowing them to find that themselves cheapens the message a bit in my opinion. Despite this, the film connects on a personal level that leaves you speechless by the end.
Although there may be some lulls in the film (a 5 minute pie eating sequence), once the film is over it becomes clear the theme of time is one of the more prevalent aspects, and you will accept it as an integral portion of the film.
This may not be an action-packed summer block-buster, but films like these are the reason I love the medium as much as I do. To be able to do something so unique, and so profoundly artistic, renews my love of the craft. A Ghost Story is definitely one that can’t be missed.
Video
A Ghost Story is presented in 1080p High Definition Widescreen 1.78:1, that being said, one of the more interesting aspects of the film is the 4:3 aspect ratio they keep on screen, almost like an old Super8 frame. This in itself gives the film a unique perspective, shooting everything in a limited aspect ratio where the Ghost takes up the majority of the screen. It’s shot beautifully, with great detail taken with the cinematography. There are no defects noticed whatsoever, and the beauty of the film coincides perfectly with the themes.
Audio
The audio is presented in DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1. In a film with almost no dialogue, you may think that audio isn’t as important as the rest. You’d be wrong in that assumption, as the track, specifically the score, is one of the most important pieces of the film. Without a moving score, there would be nothing to help drive emotion in the most pivotal scenes where we are witnessing nothing except a sheet.
Special Features
There are a few extras included in the disc, all which are a must-see to help understand the process and the meaning behind the film. On this disc you’re going to see:
- “A Ghost Story and the Inevitable Passing of Time” Featurette
- Deleted Scene
- “A Composer Story” Featurette
- Audio Commentary with Director David Lowery & Crew
Although A Ghost Story may not follow the typical structure of a film, it is something that needs to be seen, with repercussions that extend beyond the initial viewing. It’s the reason I love film, the find something so different that impacts the viewer in so many different ways. Pick up A Ghost Story when its released!