Mystery thriller worth viewing

By George Gust

“The Pale Blue Eye” follows a world-weary detective (Christian Bale) who is hired to investigate the murder of a West Point cadet. Stymied by the cadet’s code of silence, he enlists one of their own to help unravel the case- a young man the world would come to know as Edgar Allen Poe (Harry Melling).

Netflix original movies somehow always conjure up an uncanny kind of feeling. Once there was a time when a movie production studio would have a signature style that would be easily recognizable, but Netflix movies usually come off feeling like prestige TV rather than get out of the house, drive to the theater must see. “The Pale Blue Eye” is an unassuming mystery thriller with loads of talented actors and beautiful cinematography, but the ultimate experience comes up lacking true gravitas. However, while “The Pale Blue Eye” may be lacking as a blockbuster scope, the macabre and chilly atmosphere combined with some brilliant performances make it a riveting period mystery thriller.

For most of the runtime “The Pale Blue Eye” operates as a two-hander between Bale’s jaded old detective and Melling’s portrayal of the young eccentric poet. Where Bale’s performances is more understated and straight forward, Melling’s having a meal of playing one of the more macabre and intriguing figures in American literature. Melling’s performance walks up to the line of being too broadly theatrical, but ultimately becomes an entertaining interpretation of Poe. And in support of this duo is one of the most impressive collections of aged British character actors in Simon McBurney, Timothy Spall and Toby Jones, who are mostly overqualified for their supporting roles, but make each scene their in more engaging than it should be.

Overall, “The Pale Blue Eye” is a slow burn period mystery thriller that has hit Netflix with little to no fanfare but is expertly crafted from a technical standpoint and features a bevy entertaining performances. The slow burn pacing and buildup to the mystery’s conclusion don’t quite pay off the way you’d like to see, but the atmosphere and performances are strong enough make this a worth while watch.

“The Pale Blue Eye” is rated R for some violent content and bloody images. Now available with a Netflix subscription.

3.1 out of 5 stars

To reach George Gust for a comment on this review, please send an e-mail to him at this address gust.george@gmail.com

Answer on Page 19

Some road work near Fox Lake Ln.

A section of a multiuse trail will be closed to bicycle and pedestrian traffic while work on a Regent Bank project just north of Fox Lake Lane along I-35 is completed.

A portion of the Fox Lake Trail, which runs north and connects with Spring Creek Trail at the I-35 underpass, will be impacted and rebuilt during the project, which is expected to take approximately 3 weeks, with cooperative weather.

For the safety of trail users, access to the Fox Lake Trail will be closed beginning on the east side of I-35 just before the highway underpass and at the intersection of Fox Lake Lane and the frontage road, where the trailhead entrance begins. The Spring Creek Trail can still be accessed on the east side of I-35 at the Integris-Edmond campus.

Part of the Oklahoma Department of Transportation’s improvements project, a deceleration lane is being added near the intersection of Fox Lake Lane along the I35 west frontage road. Users of the trail are asked to be aware of the closure and adjust their routes accordingly.

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