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The Shipping News

Starring: Kevin Spacey, Julianne Moore
Director: Lasse Hallstrom
Genre: Drama
Year: 2001
Rating: 3 / 5

Lasse Hallstrom has delivered some memorable films in recent years, including Chocolat and The Cider House Rules, both of which scored multiple Oscar nominations. He has a gift for making quiet, touching stories accessible to the masses. That being said, while I have enjoyed most of his offerings to date, I have yet to be fully swept up in one of his films. This is true once again with The Shipping News, Hallstrom's tale of one man's journey of self-discovery, set amidst the backdrop of picturesque Newfoundland. The story, adapted from the novel by E. Annie Proulx, is thoughtful and emotional, yet it ultimately lacks directions and falls somewhat short of complete.

Quoyle (Kevin Spacey) is an emotionally stunted man passing through life at a newspaper factory in small-town America. When he happens upon the mysterious Petal (an almost unrecognizable Cate Blanchett), he instantly falls in love. Unfortunately, Petal is not in love with him, although this does not prevent their union from producing a daughter, Bunny. One night, after years of "boring" relations with Quoyle, Petal decides to leave, with Bunny in tow. Instead of running away, though, Petal is killed in an auto accident, leaving the needy Quoyle and his young daughter alone. This comes on the heels of the death of Quoyle's absentee father, leaving Quoyle floundering with nowhere to go.

Aunt Agnis (Judi Dench), passing through on her way to the family's ancestral home in Newfoundland, offers Quoyle hope for the very first time. Agnis leads Quoyle and Bunny north, promising nothing but a chance to start anew. Once there, Quoyle does just that, backing his way into a reporting job at The Gammy Bird, a local newspaper. He also attempts to get his personal life back in order, beginning a lengthy courtship with Wavey Prowse (Julianne Moore), a single mother with scars of her own. Just as things start falling into place, though, Quoyle begins uncovering secrets about the town and his own family, secrets which could tear his idealized vision apart.

Kevin Spacey stars as Quoyle, a kindly man who treads the fine line between needy and pathetic throughout the film. Julianne Moore, with an accent that comes and goes with the tide, plays the emotionally battered Wavey, eager for her own fresh start. Both leads are capable, but the film's stars are its supporting players, specifically The Gammy Bird's Scott Glenn, Pete Postlethwaite, and Rhys Ifans. These three combine with the majestic location to make Newfoundland the real main character. The film ultimately tosses too many plot threads into the ocean, leaving it scrambling for resolution from the outset. The Shipping News must settle for simply being Quoyle's quest for his own identity, a voyage which should give us hope for our own lives.

Cast:

Certification: Rated R for language.
Running Time: 111 minutes.

Additional Info: Internet Movie Database
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