Read Mixed User Reviews for A Ghost Story

6

tropicAcesJul 12, 2017

Some people are going to love it, others will hate it, I'm in the middle. Some of its visual storytelling and emotional ambitions work and truly designate, however other times (especially in the first act) things can feel alienating or slow.Some people are going to love it, others will hate it, I'm in the middle. Some of its visual storytelling and emotional ambitions work and truly designate, however other times (especially in the first act) things can feel alienating or slow. If you're a fan of indie cinema then this isvyour dream film, but fans of blockbusters may check out early.… Expand

5 of 6 users found this helpful51

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6

Brent_MarchantJul 15, 2017

It's the kind of movie that, if you're well-versed in philosophy and metaphysics, you'll probably love it, but, if not, you'll likely come away with a decidedly puzzled look. While it's certainly laudable that the director has aspired to makeIt's the kind of movie that, if you're well-versed in philosophy and metaphysics, you'll probably love it, but, if not, you'll likely come away with a decidedly puzzled look. While it's certainly laudable that the director has aspired to make a picture that appeals to an intellectual and enlightened audience, the finished product could also be seen as an exercise in preaching to the choir. Its depiction of various philosophical and spiritual themes is deftly handled through an atmospheric production design, minimalist dialogue and an ethereal soundtrack, though there are times when the patience of even the most tolerant fans can get tried (and when a fast forward remote would definitely come in handy). Nice try, but not quite what it could be.… Expand

4 of 5 users found this helpful41

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5

moviemitch96Jul 29, 2017

No matter how bizarre or polarizing a film from them looks at first glance, A24's name being attached to a film is usually all the incentive I need to check it out, as I've always highly admired their keen eye for unique and/or bizarreNo matter how bizarre or polarizing a film from them looks at first glance, A24's name being attached to a film is usually all the incentive I need to check it out, as I've always highly admired their keen eye for unique and/or bizarre premises and stories from the films that they (usually) wisely choose to distribute. That was certainly the case for this film prior to me seeing it, as I was highly intrigued by its simple yet universal premise of life, love, loss, etc. Unfortunately, the best way for me to sum this film up is 'huge potential wasted.' The film felt incredibly disjointed, jumping from so many random points and events in time. In addition, Casey Affleck and Rooney Mara's talents felt rather wasted to me, as they literally don't speak for well over half the film (seriously, I'm pretty sure a little over half the film contained no dialogue, as the entire middle act of the film is borderline silent). To top it all off, the film felt to me as though it really had no clear sense of direction or what it wanted to convey at certain times or how to convey certain things. So many scenes felt as though they were there just for filler purposes. An excellent case in point: We get to watch a depressed and grieving Rooney Mara eat a whole pie in her kitchen for about 5+ minutes. Overall, some of the film's ideas and symbolic purposes pertaining to its subject matter were somewhat interesting, and it had some decent imagery as well, but the rest of this film felt very void-like, much like the film's subject matter, which was certainly what I wasn't hoping for.… Expand

3 of 4 users found this helpful31

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4

jeremypOct 12, 2017

Probably the most boring movie I've sat through in quite a while. Oh I get why critics love it, because they look for deeper meaning and metaphors and symbolism, but all this is is a pretentious indie movie that did not need Affleck or MaraProbably the most boring movie I've sat through in quite a while. Oh I get why critics love it, because they look for deeper meaning and metaphors and symbolism, but all this is is a pretentious indie movie that did not need Affleck or Mara in it, since Affleck spends 90% of his time acting a sheet, talk about methud acting, and Mara gets 10 minutes. The best performance is by the house. Where was the Ghost therapist when they were needed, or the exorcist? See the ghost, see the ghost turn it's head (nice touch Casey), see the ghost floating around in limbo. Next sequel is ghost driver: a camera follows a Saudi woman driving through Riyhad, endlessly.… Expand

2 of 3 users found this helpful21

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5

TVJerryAug 7, 2017

If it hadn't been for Casey Affleck and Rooney Mara starring as a married couple, I doubt this film would have gotten made. It's so self-indulgent and somewhat pretentious. His character dies early on and comes back to haunt their home in aIf it hadn't been for Casey Affleck and Rooney Mara starring as a married couple, I doubt this film would have gotten made. It's so self-indulgent and somewhat pretentious. His character dies early on and comes back to haunt their home in a flowing white sheet with 2 eye holes. Other hints that this was a hollow exercise in art: the screen format is square with rounded edges and every scene unfolds with a sloooow pace and usually static camera (the worst is watching her eat a pie in wide shots for at least 5 minutes). In case you hadn't figured it out, this is NOT a horror movie. It's not that kind of spectre, but a lonely soul on an existential journey. I'll concede that the plot is original and ultimately "haunting," but the pain leading up to it will only appeal to those who like pensive reflections on life, love and eternity.… Expand

3 of 6 users found this helpful33

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5

GinaKAug 3, 2017

If you are a die-hard fan of Casey Affleck or Rooney Mara or David Lowery, you should see this film. For everyone else, it is optional. It is much more of an “art film” than a traditional ghost story, and some scenes went on much too long (IIf you are a die-hard fan of Casey Affleck or Rooney Mara or David Lowery, you should see this film. For everyone else, it is optional. It is much more of an “art film” than a traditional ghost story, and some scenes went on much too long (I kept thinking Terrence Malick – sometimes interesting, but not always). I don’t want to put in any spoilers, but a few things simply didn’t make sense or were downright annoying (like the pie gluttony or the hateful guy at the party who “knows it all”) – and the beginning of the film was so quiet that it may have been meant to shame anyone eating popcorn or pretzels like me. You could hear a lot of people moving around in their squeaky seats – so the director miscalculated his “silence effect” (or is unaware of the current state of cinema seats). I didn’t love it and didn’t hate it, but was not particularly intrigued by it either.… Expand

2 of 5 users found this helpful23

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6

DirigiblePulpAug 20, 2017

A Ghost Story is probably too precious for its own good. There are many scenes, including the couple much talked about long takes, that feel like they're there to announce what kind of movie this is (a litmus test of arty endurance - I keptA Ghost Story is probably too precious for its own good. There are many scenes, including the couple much talked about long takes, that feel like they're there to announce what kind of movie this is (a litmus test of arty endurance - I kept expecting people to walk out or start screaming at the screen but neither happened during my viewing), rather than serve a dramatic purpose. But they only feel that way during the time you are first watching them. After finishing the film and reflecting on these same scenes, they take on a new elegance that wasn't there before. This is a film that probably needs a rewatch for full appreciation, not because of plot complexity but instead emotional.

I found myself stimulated, bored, confused, glum, and profoundly moved - that a movie can somehow conjure all these feelings during the course of one viewing is a true feat of experimental prowess.… Expand

1 of 3 users found this helpful12

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4

jamsieSep 20, 2017

I was pretty underwhelmed by the movie I have to say. Nothing substantial happens in the first 20 minutes. I felt the movie was trying to creation meaningful connections and emotions and I don't think it was quite successful. I'm a fan ofI was pretty underwhelmed by the movie I have to say. Nothing substantial happens in the first 20 minutes. I felt the movie was trying to creation meaningful connections and emotions and I don't think it was quite successful. I'm a fan of Rooney Mara but in recent movies (the goddamn atrocious Song to Song, for example), she has played non-descript roles that don't make her shine.… Expand

0 of 2 users found this helpful02

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4

drlowdonJul 21, 2018

Having been killed in an accident a man returns to his wife and home as a ghost but, unable to interact directly with anyone, he is largely trapped as a passive observer.

I’ll be honest and say up front that I was largely bored by thisHaving been killed in an accident a man returns to his wife and home as a ghost but, unable to interact directly with anyone, he is largely trapped as a passive observer.

I’ll be honest and say up front that I was largely bored by this movie. I admire A Ghost Story for its originality but there are simply too many shots and scenes that linger for too long, especially during the opening half hour, and in the end it all felt like a short film stretched out to feature length running time.… Expand

0 of 0 users found this helpful00

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5

mrc_brnJan 15, 2020

Can't deny that I wistfully waited for the end of the movie. Interesting concept, but it couldn't keep my attention - at all. Just seemed to last forever.

0 of 0 users found this helpful00

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4

Q8MarrongGlaceSep 22, 2017

It wasn't that bad but this type of movies which I won't recommend it
to anyone . The reasons are obvious the script is like two pages long,
a low budget and the plot wasn't something new also I felt bored half way through the movie and IIt wasn't that bad but this type of movies which I won't recommend it
to anyone . The reasons are obvious the script is like two pages long,
a low budget and the plot wasn't something new also I felt bored half
way through the movie and I wasn't surprised about all that high rating
as I have experienced a tons of movies with high rating turned to be a
crab and vise versa while some low rating movies was actually good , I
think the writer and director did a very smart move by marketing for
this film and I personally consider it a fine investment by creating a
very low budget that will gain so much money so its basically a
business plus adding this tragic accident would rise up the audience
emotion so its also a smart move overall I am certain that this won't
end here and the movie will get some awards mark my word for it !!… Expand

0 of 0 users found this helpful00

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6

TheSweBooDec 8, 2018

I like the idea and concept of this movie much more than the movie itself. What I dislike more than some scenes being way too long (pie scene hehe) is the scene where this guy explains the whole philosophy and idea of the movie instead ofI like the idea and concept of this movie much more than the movie itself. What I dislike more than some scenes being way too long (pie scene hehe) is the scene where this guy explains the whole philosophy and idea of the movie instead of having audiences take something personal away from it. It just seems so out of place from the rest of the movie. Speaking of audiences, the general movie goes will hate this movie and I can see people feeling scammed if they spent money seeing it. I just feel like it'd be better of as a short movie. A movie that handles death and the fear of being forgotten better in 2017 is Coco.… Expand

0 of 0 users found this helpful00

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6

amheretojudgeApr 26, 2018

piece by piece..

A Ghost Story Just as the protagonist in the feature, the audience too finds itself solving the puzzle that life is, projected in a way in here which is the only intriguing lose thread in it that one can hold to climb itpiece by piece..

A Ghost Story

Just as the protagonist in the feature, the audience too finds itself solving the puzzle that life is, projected in a way in here which is the only intriguing lose thread in it that one can hold to climb it till the end. David Lowery's execution surpasses its character driven script which may comes off as a bit hoax for the audience but if read between lines, its speaking louder than ever. There isn't much verbal sparrings between any characters hence it relies a lot upon the performance which isn't left short in any way by Rooney Mara and Casey Affleck (as a supporter). A Ghost Story is definitely not everyone's cup of coffee but if being addicted to it, there is a lot to explore especially through its cinematography which is utterly beautiful.… Expand

0 of 0 users found this helpful00

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6

DawdlingPoetNov 27, 2021

This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. This is a relatively spooky film in as much as it has little dialogue, certainly in the first half and the scenes are quite atmospheric. I assume the viewer is expected to make their own minds up in terms of why things are happening, the meaning behind them. It has quite an arty feel to it, almost like a Terrence Malick film but im not sure I'd say its quite as pretentious as they seem. Thats a matter of personal taste or opinion I suppose.

Over half way through the films total running time, I noticed an ethereal sound in the background. There's something mildly unsettling that said ghost has the eye shaped indentations but yet we can't see any actual, you know, eyes and also the basic form the ghost takes, i.e. as a being only visible through what appears to be a large white table cloth/sheet. I'm a little unsure quite what to make of it - there is a decent element of cinematography, in terms of the camera work/angles used. I thought it was an interesting film, not great or especially good but not awful, just, sort of, a bit directionless for my taste. I would only recommend this film if your ok with what sort of a film it is - an arty, somewhat subtle and verging on poignant watch. It won't appeal to everyone though.… Expand

0 of 0 users found this helpful00

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4

geewahJan 6, 2021

At times this movie comes across as a beautiful love story but that gets lost in the smugness and self indulgent nature of this flick.

0 of 0 users found this helpful00

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