http://www.zimbio.com/pictures/DDKkNaBdoj0/Take+Shelter+Premiere+2011+Sundance+Film+Festival/tpEH_pO2tJ3/Tova+StewartIf 'Take Shelter' were just about a man having visions of an upcoming apocalyptical storm, it would make for a fun supernatural thriller, of course, depending upon the artistry of the special effects. But this man, Curtis (Michael Shannon) , has to wonder if he is actually seeing the future or if his mother's schizophrenia is kicking in on his psyche -- as if either eventuality weren't frightening enough. He takes both possibilities seriously, visiting a doctor, talking with his mother (Kathy Baker) to get more information on her disorder and going to a therapist. And to have all his bases covered, he tries to prepare for the visions in his nightmares as if they were real: kenneling his dog who attacked him in a dream, avoiding dangerous people, building an enlarged and safer storm shelter.
His persona takes on a Noah-like quality. Despite everything, his first priority is to protect his wife (Jessica Chastain) and daughter (Tova Stewart). He is admirable in fighting social opinion and his own inner fears while dealing with his visions, real or imagined. You have to feel for this guy; his internal struggles while trying to maintain the perfect life he so recently had while allaying his wife's fears due to his strange behavior, is truly heroic. His pain, tearing in several directions at once, was palpable.
Of course, these day you don't need a seer to tell you a big storm is coming. Tell me an earthquake will rock New York, a hurricane will decimate Vermont, the biggest tidal wave in Japan's recorded story will kill thousands, a flood in Malaysia will kill 100,000. I'm a believer. The special effects in 'Take Shelter' were conservative, probably because the story of this troubled man was more important than distracting the audience with his visions. The storm visions were awe-inspiring, but really not that far from realistic. And as time passes and global warming intensifies, the recent storms and the awesome visions in the film may become mere memories of calmer times.
Take Shelter
Director / Writer: Jeff Nichols
Cast : Michael Shannon, Jessica Chastain, Shea Whigham,Tova Stewart, Kathy Baker
Time: 120
Rating: R
Opening October 7 at the Embarcadero in San Francisco
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