Key Takeaways:
– Ridley Scott’s ‘The Counselor’ has gained a cult following despite initial criticism.
– Famed director Pedro Almodóvar criticizes Cormac McCarthy’s screenplay for the film.
– However, esteemed critics and directors, including Guillermo del Toro, have recently praised “The Counselor.”
Not all movies start as blockbuster hits. One such example is the 2013 film ‘The Counselor,’ directed by renowned movie maker Ridley Scott. Despite an initial sour reception, its intriguing plot and star-studded cast have garnered a cult following in recent years.
Unveiling ‘The Counselor’
Our story of interest revolves around a lawyer caught in a drug deal gone bad. Penned by the late great author Cormac McCarthy, the film boasts Hollywood hotshots such as Brad Pitt and Penélope Cruz.
Yet, one person stands as a notable critic – Pedro Almodóvar. In an interview with The Guardian, Almodóvar points out the gap between writing for novels and movie scripts. His case in point? McCarthy’s work on ‘The Counselor’. Although McCarthy’s novels were dialogue-rich, Almodóvar believes this didn’t translate onto the big screen for this movie.
Criticisms and the Movie’s Performance
Notorious for its scene featuring Cameron Diaz getting intimate with an expensive car, ‘The Counselor’ received harsh feedback from critics and had a disappointing box-office performance. Still, the film has its advocates. Glenn Kenny, Manhola Dargis, and even acclaimed director Guillermo del Toro have shared their admiration for this film despite its initial reception. Del Toro shared his love for the film even up to the “molecular level,” stating it’s “brilliant” and “underappreciated.”
The Rise of a New Cult Canon
Over the years, critics have begun to reassess ‘The Counselor.’ Scott Tobias suggested adding the movie to a “New Cult Canon”, and The Guardian even hailed it as a “great” and “misunderstood film.” IndieWire’s Jim Hemphill went a step further and called the film “a masterpiece that improves with age.”
It seems like ‘The Counselor’ is a typical example of the cinematic paradox where a movie evolves from a panned release to a cult classic. Both sides of the argument have noteworthy points, providing an exciting debate for film enthusiasts. This might be the perfect time to rewatch or discover the film and form your own opinion.
After all, as every movie-goer knows, the beauty of cinema is its subjective art form. What may appear as a “mess” to one viewer can become another’s cinematic “masterpiece.” ‘The Counselor,’ with its bumpy start and intriguing journey, offers a fascinating case study for this intriguing dynamic.
In the end, whether you agree with Almodóvar’s sharp criticism or align with del Toro’s vehement praise, the discourse surrounding ‘The Counselor’ proves that the film industry is as captivating behind the scenes as it’s on the big screen. Isn’t that the real charm of the cinematic universe? After all, they do say life imitates art. And judging by ‘The Counselor’s’ unpredictable journey over the years, this couldn’t be truer.
