Lady In The Water
Granted, this movie and this story moves along at a glacier’s pace, but it is also steeped in rich allegory of the spiritual nature. A messenger from a race that wants to set humans free is named (guess what) Story. She appears in the swimming pool of an apartment complex that’s managed by a regular guy named Cleveland Heep (played brilliantly and vulnerably by Paul Giamatti), who’s trying to suppress devastating personal loss and tragedy. Story reveals the hidden drama that unfolds behind their everyday life and yet holds grave and profound consequences for their world. There’s the very real warfare with carnivorous creatures bent on their destruction. Story affirms handyman’s purpose, as well as the community that develops and deepens between the locals – each using their unique gifts to bring resolution to the problem. One poignant question is asked in passing that’s worth pondering: “Does man deserve to be saved, Mr. Heep?” There’s many signs and hints of other topics, too. The name of the complex, for example, is called “The Cove,” but the “C” in cove could easily pass for an “L,” which underscores one of the key traits that helps the group and all mankind out of its dilemma. It all stems from a bedtime story that M. Night Shyamalan told his children over the years. He makes a fairly significant cameo in the film, too. This is one of those times where the DVD format and bonus materials come in handy, helping explain and give more context to this strange, sometimes witty and ironic tale. [Warner Bros.] Doug Van Pelt
Spiritual Relevancy: 100
Obscenities: 1
Scenes Of Gore: 0
Nudity/Sexuality: 0
This DVD review was originally published in the May/June Issue (#125) of HM Magazine. You can order the Print Version of this issue online or find this issue on newsstands. You can NOW read this entire feature in the current FREE online edition of HM Magazine. Future digital issues can be purchased online for $1.99, and digital subscriptions will be only $6.
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Comments
By Tony C. Anderson
I didn't like lady in the water nor did i like the village.The movies to slow.And it made no sense to me.M.nights older movies are better.
By matt
this movie was so amazing! he's such an amazing story teller... our generation can't handle slower, not action filled movies anymore, its saddening to hear, but i guess i'm alone in the the thought
By makepeacenotchaos
The storyline to this movie was very deep and rewarding to follow - I asked myself many of the quesitons the characters were asking through out. When Cleveland pours out his secrets to heal Story's wounds it was a powerful parallel which acts as evidence for the idea of truth having the power to heal.
By Chris
Awesome movie!
