theglobeandmail.com
Sharp Corner": Car Crashes Expose Existential Crisis
In Jason Buxton's "Sharp Corner", a couple's dream home near a deadly curve becomes the unsettling backdrop for a series of car accidents that trigger a husband's existential crisis and unravels their marriage.
- What are the immediate consequences of the car crashes that occur near Josh and Rachel's new home?
- Sharp Corner", a Canadian psychological drama, follows Josh and Rachel, a couple whose new home near a dangerous curve becomes the backdrop for a series of car crashes. These accidents trigger an existential crisis in Josh, leading to his alienation from his family. The film explores themes of obsession, marriage, and the hidden dangers of everyday life.
- How does the film use the setting and the car crashes to represent the deterioration of Josh's marriage and his overall mental state?
- The film uses the setting of a house dangerously close to a deadly curve to symbolize the fragility of relationships and careers. The escalating car crashes mirror Josh's internal turmoil and deteriorating mental state, highlighting the subtle ways life can unravel. The film contrasts the idyllic appearance of the home with the underlying tensions within the family.
- What are the potential long-term consequences for Josh and his family, based on the film's portrayal of his mental state and the escalating events?
- Sharp Corner" suggests that seemingly isolated incidents can have profound and lasting impacts on individuals and families. The film's ending implies a potential for further escalation and long-term consequences stemming from Josh's unchecked mental decline and strained relationship. The film leaves viewers questioning the stability of seemingly perfect lives.
Cognitive Concepts
Framing Bias
The review frames the film primarily through the lens of Josh's internal struggles and the visual elements, which may overshadow other interpretations. The opening paragraph highlighting the film's ambition and comparison to other works establishes a certain expectation and frames the subsequent critique within that context.
Language Bias
The review uses strong and emotive language, such as "pitch-black journey," "slathered with it," and "enigma wrapped in a riddle." While evocative, this language leans toward subjective interpretation rather than objective analysis. Describing Josh's voice as "sinister in its softness" is an example of potentially loaded language. More neutral terms could be used to convey the same information.
Bias by Omission
The review focuses heavily on Josh's perspective and the film's visual aspects, neglecting a detailed exploration of Rachel's character and motivations beyond her being a source of Josh's unhappiness. The impact of the car accidents on the community and the broader implications of living near a dangerous curve are largely omitted. While acknowledging limitations due to space, a more thorough exploration of these elements would enrich the analysis.
False Dichotomy
The review doesn't present a false dichotomy, but it does present a somewhat narrow view of the film's success, largely judging it based on the lead actor's performance and the film's visual elements rather than considering other potential strengths or weaknesses.
Gender Bias
The review describes Rachel as "the vaguely annoying thorn in Josh's side," which could be interpreted as perpetuating a gender stereotype of the nagging wife. While acknowledging Smulders's performance, the description may subtly undervalue Rachel's complexity and agency in the narrative. The suggestion of a film from Rachel's perspective is positive, indicating awareness of the imbalance.
Sustainable Development Goals
The film highlights the risks of poor urban planning and infrastructure, specifically the dangerous road curve near the house, leading to accidents. This reflects negatively on the goal of sustainable and safe urban development. The secluded location and the focus on the house itself indirectly relate to SDG 11, Target 11.2, which aims to provide access to safe, affordable, accessible and sustainable transport systems.