Nightmare Alley

Guillermo Del Toro’s latest movie, “Nightmare Alley” is a remake of the 1947 film starring Tyrone Power and it seems an odd choice for the director of “The Shape of Water” and “Pans Labryinth”. Bradley Cooper stars a carnival con artist who makes it big with a mind reading act, but becomes very full of himself. He teams up with a femme fatale psychiatrist played with smarmy charm by Cate Blanchett. The supporting cast is excellent including Willem Dafoe, Toni Collette and Rooney Mara. Its ending is very ironic. One of the best aspects of this film are the sets. The depression era carnival looks dirty and rundown while the later, city scenes are among the best Art Deco sets in recent memory. This is a dark film noir showing the nastier side of society. Not for everyone, but I liked it. Well made and acted but very dark.