Snow Cake

source: Snow Cake

Here is a film that sets an example in the field of attention to detail. This film has probably had its concept born, its idea written down, the idea then transformed into a screenplay and then that screenplay has been re-written a couple of times to include every single tiny meaning and attention to detail possible; some the audiences will notice and some who will not as they're either too quick or they're just caught up in the brilliance that is the rest of the film. When I say attention to detail, I mean the in-depth study of characters. I was asking several questions as to why certain characters were acting the way they were towards others and just when I thought "there's something the film has done wrong", it went back and answered my question twenty minutes later. Without giving anything away, I couldn't work out why Alex (Rickman) was so antagonistic towards the truck driver but the film answers the question near the end when Alex's past tragedy becomes clear; also, the attention to the characters in particular was outstanding. Vivienne (Hampshire) has the interesting quirk of putting her McDonalds fries in her burger and then eating it, Linda (Weaver) is able to identify that Alex is wearing her 'third favourite sweater' and all throughout the film, sounds and noises in the background of dogs barking, birds chirping and distant traffic puts us there. I got the feeling that before every take whilst shooting; the filmmakers thought of everything they possibly could to either hint at past and unseen events or just ask themselves 'this situation has arisen – what would happen' and this is where the script being re-written and thought through on such an impressive level comes in that it's hard to think of another recent film that is as impressive as this. I loved the way the film actually re-starts after about fifteen minutes following an action that even I was surprised by; I loved the way that during Alex and Vivienne's journey, we are given time out to see side shots of massive trucks suddenly blur by, emphasising the seemingly random and unnecessary. It seems ironic that the film has that certain 'snowy' look to it and the exterior shots that feel like absolute white allows you to actually 'see' the cold rather than feel it since if we're watching a film in a warm room, we can't feel what the characters are feeling. Another strong point is the cast. Having Alan Rickman, Sigourney Weaver and Carrie-Ann Moss away from trying to either blow up John McLane, fight off Aliens or box a bunch of Agent Smiths is a real treat and you quickly forget who's who – these are really recognisable faces in a film you don't expect them to be in and for me to forget who they are and just accept them as characters is really impressive. The film uses an impressive array of techniques to get across its effectiveness – the first proper interaction between Alex and Maggie (Moss) is in a room full of red, signalling danger – there are red curtains, red candles, they're even drinking red wine and what with Linda already labelling her a prostitute, we are suddenly weary. I especially liked the way that Alex and Maggie's lakeside conversation was intercut with shots of melting ice coming apart as Alex himself describes how his life melted away and came apart when he suffered his past tragedy – again, attention to detail is the key here as a seemingly straight forward conversation has been thought through with shots of melting ice. Snow Cake is the sort of film you watch and allow yourself to get wrapped up in. It is an emotional journey with powerful acting and many, many effective scenes – effective because they're well shot and thought through but effective because they make you feel during the film. Really well written, really well directed and really well acted by Weaver and Rickman as the two leads – memorable film.

Snow Cake this afternoon and immediately wanted to see it again as I thought that it was a wonderful film. Given the subject matter it could have been beyond mawkish; instead it was a perfect blend of tragedy and comedy. The principal characters were as diverse as they were interesting and the audience immediately cared what happened to them - always a sign of a good film. Alan Rickman was just perfect as Alex - the role needed someone who could carry the weight of his past while dealing with this latest hand thrown to him by fate. I loved the way he came to care for Linda by the end of the film. I think that this is definitely one of Mr Rickman's best roles since AN AWFULLY BIG ADVENTURE Sigourney Weaver was amazing - she played her part in such a way that her Autism bothered everyone else a lot more than it did her. (Is this a common feature of Autism - I am sorry to say that I have no idea). The fact that she is unable to outwardly show her grief for her daughter serves to underline how vulnerable she is and this, coupled with her childlike enjoyment of life, warms the heart of the audience. The setting too is magnificent. Especially the setting sun scene at the lake. I would urge anyone who likes something as different as it could be from the Hollywood blockbuster to go and see this classy film.

Let's be clear. This movie is terrible. It's a bad student film with a bigger budget. I would rather watch Jesus Christ the Musical sixty times than sit through this again. I should preface this review by saying that I adore Alan Rickman. Among actors, he is god. He is the sexiest guy that ever walked the boards. But Alan, not even you can save this dreck. The thing is, it's not just a film. It's a Film. With a Message. And the message is? Everyman (that's Alan) can learn to accept autistics as long as he has the root next door. Or something. I understand that the screenwriter based a lot of Sigourney's character on her own autistic son. Let this be a lesson for screenwriters everywhere: don't do family. It will suck. Specific objections. The daughter, who I'm sure was written to be zany and adorable, was in reality just irritating. The man looking for redemption and finding himself is old. The man sleeping with somebody and (ok, this might be construed a spoiler, but by the time it happens you'll be so over the movie that you'll be glad I rescued you) thinking that she is a prostitute and therefore handing her cash has also been done to death. The woman in question not being mightily offended and throwing him out has not. There is a reason for this. Finally, there is a terrible, terrible redemption scene, which made me vomit a little. How can I describe it without giving anything away ... say you had a pet dog, and a complete stranger was out walking your dog, and at some point in the journey he walked your dog under a bus. The bus driver turns up at your house, and THE GUY WHO WAS WALKING THE DOG FORGIVES HIM! 1/10, and that one point is only because I like opening scenes in aeroplanes.

Alan Rickman was horribly out of place but the only person in the whole movie worth watching - Sigourney Weaver was downright irritating and far from portraying a high-functioning individual was barely functioning at all - she did autism no favours if encouraging acceptance of autistic people was supposed to be the point of the film. The remaining characters, with the exception of Vivienne who, of necessity, was gone much too soon, were flat, lacked pertinence and added nothing to the film. After watching it, I wondered why anyone bothered to make it and wouldn't ever waste time watching it again. Bits of it were marginally funny but overall it was 2 hours of almost total pointlessness.

Oh great, here's another "Autism" Cliché flick, hurray! And again it turns out to warm up just about every stereotype repeated ad nauseam since 'Rain Man'. Sigourney Weaver is annoying in Alex' words, I must rather agree- she was certainly unconvincing at best. Rickman however gives a great performance as sad ageing Middle Class, a role that we have seen him in before and that he masters bravely. The script is full of bizarre squeaks, when Alex stands up in the funeral to shake the truck drivers hand I very nearly gave up. Even for an American production that is simply too rich!! I think this 'drama' only survived the first screening because of it's astonishing casting: clearly Alan Rickman and Carrie-Ann Moss carry the whole thing. The fact that they accepted the script must mean that this ambitious project was crippled in the editing room. What a flop.

I wasn't looking forward to seeing this film and got dragged along at the last minute - I knew it was going to be emotionally heavy and it was. I must say though that I think it's brilliant; at one point I had to hold back the tears - and nothing normally ever makes me cry. I also laughed. Apart from that, the story is amazing, the acting is top notch and the 'scenery' and mood is evocative. Whilst I didn't think Weaver or Rickman were the best choices or the most convincing people for the roles they were certainly excellent - but what do I know eh? it worked, and that's good enough for me. Watch it. NB: I hadn't eaten and had been drinking the night before and my woman was giving me static - so I was in a pretty low mood, so maybe that's the way to go when you watch this film, be at a low ebb yourself and it will sink in a little bit more and maybe tug the heart strings a little bit more.

I was able to see this as part of the recent Autism Cymru conference, and can honestly say that this is one of the best films I have seen for years. It somehow maintains a balance between the drama, the need to establish Weaver's character without mawkishness or making her a complete freak, and a rite of passage for Rickman's character. There was no point at which I doubted the authenticity of the character's experiences. It does help to know something about autism (I am a parent of someone with ASD and parts of this were so true it hurt) but not compulsory, and I would heartily recommend it to dispel some myths! I can't really tell you more without giving it all away - go and see it! Snow Cake is both poignant and rib-achingly funny in parts. We were also fortunate to meet the writer, the director and the autistic woman who "coached" Sigourney Weaver. Absolutely fascinating. I can't wait for this to be released and will be buying the DVD for friends and family.

I have just come back from the screening of Snow Cake at the Hong Kong Film Festival, it is one of the two closing films. I have to say, I didn't expect much from this film at first, or perhaps it is because I do not know what to expect from it. The reason I went to see this mainly because of Alan Rickman (yes I am a Alan fan, so even the movie turns out to be disappointing I can enjoy Alan Rickman's acting ;]), but my friend whom I forced to accompany me is not. I was worried that she won't like it. But my worries were gone as the film flows, I smiled, I laugh, and even got tears in my eyes. I left the screening with a smile on my face and a warm and cosy feeling at heart. Even me friend loved it. This movie has depth yet makes you laugh and smile. And Now I am dying to watch it again. Alan Rickman is wonderful as usual, his talent deserves an Oscar nod someday. Signourey Weaver is pretty good, though some of you said that her portrayal of autistic people is inaccurate, I am not sure. Carrie Anne Moss is cool but, well I guess it is hard for her to outshine Alan and Signourey . I love the script, the lines are funny and thought provoking at the same time. It makes you think AND laugh. All in all impressive and beautiful.

i just went to see this film in the Belfast film festival. it was possibly one of the most beautiful films i have ever seen. as a self confessed Rickman obsessive i was always going to see the film but i was not a fan of ms weaver therefore was not expecting an amazing experience. i was so wrong. ms weaver has produced one of the most amazing performances i have ever seen in a film. i place it in line with Liam Neeson in Schindler's list, Russel crow in a beautiful mind and of course in rain man the amazing Dustin Hoffman. she is just amazing. i cried and laughed comfortably in her situations and i did not feel at any stage that this was a cheap imitation and mockery of a person suffering form autism. i just couldn't believe it. Alan Rickman was of course his amazing self. his presence on the screen always pleases me no matter what he is in. this film however was again different from any other. unlike the usual Rickman character of which you can expect sarcasm such as in love actually or close my eyes and a deviousness such as harry potter or robin hood , or even a warm loving character such as colonel Brandon.this time we are presented with an all round character in which Mr Rickman's talents shine unbelievably and i believe that you can see a contentedness in his acting. the character is lovable, curious, devious, hilarious, sentimental and of course understandable. his actions are understood by all. the scenery in the film was amazing and the music sublime. the atmosphere was just perfect for a film with such hard hitting lessons. the meaningful statements from the deceased Vivianne and the innocent and wise statements from Linda are truly memorable and made me think. instead of leaving the cinema with an over powering sense of wow and over the top excitement usually collected from a Hollywood motion picture such as in a false star wars or lord of the rings, i left with a sense of questioning and self analysis. i felt comfortable to stay silent in thought and express little of my emotions. i did not feel the need to over emphasise its greatness until i had thought about it thorough;y. anyone who reads this. please please please please go see snow cake if it is on near you as this amazing movie needs and deserves complete recognition form all of us fellow film viewers. totally amazing!!