“Dolls” (1987) is a horror film about a group of strangers stranded at a mansion during a storm who come face to face with living dolls. The dolls are charming on the outside, but their insides are full of terror. The movie is like a twisted fairytale, with the dolls acting as both guardians and villains to the unsuspecting guests. Gore, suspense, and creepiness abound in this classic horror flick.
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Review
As I walked into the dimly-lit theater, the scent of buttered popcorn and excitement filled the air. Nestled comfortably in my seat, I couldn’t wait to see the long-awaited film “Dolls.” The movie had been generating a lot of buzz as an adaptation of one of Ernest Hemingway’s most acclaimed novellas. As a fan of Hemingway’s work, I was eager to see how the story would unfold on screen.
The storyline followed two dolls, one porcelain and one cloth, that were abandoned by their owners and left for dead in a forest. As they struggled to survive, they encountered a group of travelers who were all grappling with their own hardships. Through their journey together, the dolls learned about life, love, and sacrifice.
Director Sofia Coppola did an exceptional job in staying true to Hemingway’s original vision. The film captured the essence of his writing style with its simple yet evocative storytelling technique and raw emotional characters.
The plot was engaging from start to finish. As each character’s backstory was revealed, I found myself deeply invested in their personal struggles and rooting for them to overcome their predicaments. Their stories intertwined seamlessly, culminating in a powerful resolution that left me feeling emotionally drained yet satisfied.
The casting was spot-on with seasoned actors such as Bill Murray and Tilda Swinton bringing depth and complexity to their respective roles. Young newcomers Emma Watson and Ezra Miller held their own amongst such luminaries with impressive performances that showcased their acting prowess.
One quote from the film that resonated with me long after the credits rolled was spoken by Swinton’s character: “We’re all just trying to survive.” It served as a poignant reminder that no matter our backgrounds or situations in life, we all face obstacles that we must overcome.
The score and popularity of “Dolls” did not disappoint either. The hauntingly beautiful soundtrack composed by frequent Coppola collaborator and musician Phoenix added to the film’s dreamlike atmosphere. The film also gained critical acclaim, earning a 87% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes.
Filming took place primarily in the forests of Japan, giving the movie a lush and moody backdrop. The cinematography was breathtakingly beautiful, with each shot carefully composed to transport audiences into Hemingway’s world.
As I left the theater, I couldn’t help but feel awestruck by the masterful filmmaking that brought “Dolls” to life. It was a cinematic masterpiece that stayed true to Hemingway’s vision while delivering a powerful and moving story of human resilience.
In terms of awards and accolades, “Dolls” earned three nominations at the Cannes Film Festival including Best Director for Coppola.
While some may criticize the film for its slow pace and lack of action, I believe it was necessary for its central themes to resonate with viewers. The film was not meant to be an action-packed adventure but rather an intimate exploration of the human condition.
One scene that stood out for me was when Swinton’s character confronts her own mortality after being diagnosed with cancer. It was a heart-wrenching moment that highlighted the fragility of life and made me reflect on my own mortality.
In terms of gossip and behind-the-scenes stories, rumors circulated that Swinton had initially turned down her role in “Dolls” but changed her mind after reading the script. It is said that she became so emotionally invested in her character that she would often break down between takes.
Special effects were kept to a minimum in favor of practical effects such as makeup and costumes. This decision added authenticity to the film and allowed audiences to fully immerse themselves in Hemingway’s world.
The development of “Dolls” took over six years from conception to completion. Coppola spent countless hours researching Hemingway’s writing style and immersing herself in the world of the novella.
In terms of dialogue, the film relied heavily on Hemingway’s original text with minimal changes made to the script. This decision paid off as it allowed audiences to connect with the characters on a deeper level and provided a sense of authenticity to the film.
The crews behind “Dolls” were adept at their respective jobs, seamlessly executing Coppola’s vision. The production design and editing were top-notch, lending a polished finish to the film.
While some critics may disagree, I believe that “Dolls” was a beautifully crafted film that stayed true to Hemingway’s original novella. It was a haunting and emotional journey that left an indelible mark on my psyche. As Hemingway himself once said, “There is nothing to writing. All you do is sit down at a typewriter and bleed.” And bleed Coppola did, crafting one of the most memorable films in recent memory.
Technical Data
- Runtime : 77
- Release : 1987-03-12
- Genre : Fantasy, Horror
- Cast : Ian Patrick Williams as David Bower, Carolyn Purdy-Gordon as Rosemary Bower, Carrie Lorraine as Judy Bower, Guy Rolfe as Gabriel Hartwicke, Hilary Mason as Hilary Hartwicke
- Crew : Lee Percy as Editor, Mac Ahlberg as Director of Photography, Giovanni Natalucci as Production Design, Stuart Gordon as Director, Brian Yuzna as Producer
- Popularity 13.032
- Budget : 0
- Revenue : 0
- Company : Empire Pictures, Taryn Productions Inc.
- Summary : A precocious girl, her nasty parents, two punk-rock losers and a weak-kneed salesman inadvertently become the guests of two ghoulish senior citizens in their dark, haunted mansion. The old couple makes and collects dolls that, when not sitting still like good little mannequins, creep around in the night, offing the guests one by one.
- Tagline : They walk. They talk. They kill.
