August 15, 2020: From the Stargate vault – SGU’s “Space”! The Crime Club reconvenes to discuss Bunny Lake is Missing!

Fromt he Stargate vault…

We had the most beautiful sets on Stargate: Universe.  Pictured above, the interior alien vessel from “Space” c/o Production Designer James Robbins and our amazing departments (art, construction, paint, lighting, etc.)

Director Andy Mikita talks shop with actor Louis Ferreira (Stargate Universe – “Space”).

Our resident (motion capture) alien chilling between takes (Stargate: Universe – “Space”).

The Crime Club convenes to discuss Bunny Lake is Missing!

Hmmm. They say they don’t make ’em like they used to and, in some cases, that’s a good thing. Bunny Lake is Missing is a prime example.  It serves up a great missing child premise but immediately flounders in a dubious investigation and a distraught mother’s bizarrely imbecilic behavior.  The fact that she believes the mere existence of a doll she dropped off for repairs will somehow convince the police is beyond bizarre.  And speaking of bizarre…

The final twist comes so out of left field that it borders on ludicrous. It honestly felt like they were nearing the end of the movie and the director wondered: “How are we going to get out of this one?”. The writer replied: “I dunno. How about this?”. To which the director shrugged and decided “Well, guess it’s better than nothing.”, and went ahead and shot it.

I mean, how long was the kid lying unconscious in that car trunk?  And given that Ann is not at all surprised by brother Steven’s unhinged turn, how could she NOT have suspected he might be the culprit? I mean, is she a total idiot?  Or, more likely, she’s just a convenient idiot who only puts together the pieces when the plot requires it?

I thought the direction by notorious on-set jackass Otto Preminger was pretty solid, but I found the heavy score annoyingly whimsical and distracting at times.  The performances were all pretty great, but special mention must go to Noel Coward who exquisitely chews up the scenery as the creepy, chihuahua-petting landlord.  Also, bonus marks for the out there title of this movie.

Overall, however, it’s a thumbs down from me.

Tomorrow, we take day off to focus on Suji Sunday, but our Crime Club returns on Monday to discuss Palme d’Or nominee and winner for Best Screenplay at the Cannes Film Festival: A Touch of Sin.

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