MovieChat Forums > The Shipping News (2002) Discussion > The Shipping Snooze

The Shipping Snooze

posted 14 years ago by Brian Scott Mednick
5 replies | jump to latest

I just saw this for the first time. I think anything with Judi Dench is worth watching - and she did a fine job, as always - but what an unpleasant, boring mess this is. I absolutely adore Kevin Spacey but he was so detached and wimpy that I could just not gather any empathy for him. The melodramatic elements that come up in the last 45 minutes are pure soap opera. And I never felt a single spark between Spacey and Julianne Moore. The film is about an enjoyable as a meal of seal fin pie.

[–] BelleDameSansMerci 13 years ago

Amen to every single word you said.
My thoughts exactly.

[–] mmward 13 years ago

and how many times do you use the word "I" in a little over 3 sentences. I counted 4, probably 3 too many. Quoyle was detached and wimpy, and he tried so hard, you didn't get it. Not about Spacey, or Moore, or you. The characters shine. And it's seal flipper pie. I had a wonderful road/boat trip last summer from Boston to Newfoundland. Next time, I'll get to the place where the film was shot, can't wait. And will keep wonderful, gruffy Pete Postlethwaite's Tert Card in mind. RIP, Pete....

[–] gb901 11 years ago

Spaceys character is surely the biggest wimp in cinematic history.

Not sure I appreciated Judy dench taking a whizz - sound and all!

[–] bagofants 10 years ago

Love the movie. Possibly for all the same reasons you did not. The awkwardness between two less than perfect people that still manage to carve something out of desperation and a few things in common in a tough situation. Classic storytelling. I like a movie that doesn't need explosions and a big set of cans to keep the viewer watching. I like movies with that stuff as well. Still thought the thread title was absolutely hilarious!

[–] spookyrat1 10 years ago

Love the movie.

Same here. Breathtaking scenery and locations. Thank goodness Annie Proulx insisted the film be filmed in Newfoundland as part of the deal when selling the film rights. A fine performance by Kevin Spacey. People don't seem to realise he's not a wimp, but a broken man, lacking in confidence and self-esteem, who finds the means after returning to Newfoundland to heal himself and learn more about his family's background. I liked the relationship between Quoyle and Wavey and the supporting roles, especially those of the newspaper staff were filled admirably.🐭