Nightmare Alley

    Based on the 1946 novel of the same name, this is actually a remake of the original 1947 film starring Tyrone Power. The new version is directed by Guillermo del Toro with a screenplay by Mr. del Toro and Kim Morgan.

    In this new version Bradley Cooper stars as Stanton Carlisle, a drifter who finds new purpose working in a dustbowl Carnival in the late 1930's. The film co-stars Cate Blanchett as a femme fatale physiologist, Toni Collette as Zeena, a "mind reader" with the carny, who along with her alcoholic husband Pete (Played by David Strathairn) teach Carlisle to be a mentalist, Rooney Mara as Molly, Richard Jenkins, Mary Steenburgen, Willem Dafoe, Ron Perlman, and Holt McCallany.

    Mr. del Toro and his team faithfully recreate the era with terrific sets, costumes, and overall production design. The art deco sets in the latter half of the film are amazing. The atmosphere of the film is creepy and moody throughout, especially early on in the carny scenes. While Mr. del Toro is known for monsters and horror, the only monsters here are human but there is certainly a sense of dread that runs through the entire story.

    The pace is methodically slow but Mr. Cooper is magnetic and keeps the viewer engaged throughout. As Stanton's skills improve, his ambition grows as does his hubris. This is a great exercise in retro film noir that patience will reward.