Starman

Saturday, February 23, 2008

This movie suggests the possibility of an entirely different John Carpenter. One who, while possibly still doing genre films, would make films more concerned with characters and with genuine romances.

He didn't write Starman, and I don't think he could write a movie like it even if he tried, but he sure as shit proves that he can direct it. The emotions here, even though they are on the level of fantasy, are very genuine, and it's his only film that can be described as touching.

You'd think, based on his other movies, that he'd be totally lost making a love story and only really succeed at the sci-fi elements of Starman. This couldn't be further from the truth. In fact, he uses his great visual style to add a beauty and lyricism to the dramatic scenes, especially during the perfect final moment.

If I had to choose, I'm glad that Carpenter stuck with sci-fi action and horror movies. Still, it's fascinating to watch him try something different here and succeed so strongly.