Watch Keyhole

In the 2011 film Keyhole, directed by Canadian filmmaker Guy Maddin, Jason Patric stars as Ulysses Pick - a notorious gangster suffering from a severe identity crisis. The film's stylistic and surreal approach takes viewers on a journey into the murky depths of Ulysses' troubled psyche. Set in a seemingly haunted mansion, the film follows Ulysses as he returns to his home after a long absence, accompanied by his gang of associates - each with their own eccentricities and vices. The mansion, once a symbol of power and familial warmth, now stands as a decrepit monument to Ulysses' past transgressions.

As Ulysses navigates through the house, viewers are introduced to the many strange and damaged individuals who populate his world. Isabella Rossellini shines as Hyacinth - Ulysses' estranged wife who remains trapped within the walls of the mansion, haunting each room with her presence. Hyacinth's ghostly specter serves as a constant reminder of Ulysses' past traumas.

Udo Kier provides a sinister edge to the film as "Doctor" Lemke, a demented surgeon who Ulysses brings into the home to revive his injured son, Manners. As Lemke works on Manners in his makeshift lab, the audience is confronted with the grotesque and nightmarish images of the experiments taking place.

The film's surreal and dreamlike narrative unfolds in a fragmented manner, with scenes alternating between the present moment and various flashbacks from Ulysses' life. As the movie progresses, the lines between the real and the imaginary blur, creating a richly layered story that unfolds with haunting beauty.

Keyhole is a visually stunning film, with director Guy Maddin's signature style of blending classic Hollywood melodrama with avant-garde aesthetics. The black-and-white cinematography, coupled with the film's unusual camera angles and unusual editing techniques, create a visually striking and mesmerizing experience.

While the film's odd narrative structure might not appeal to everyone, those who enjoy surrealism and experimental filmmaking will find much to appreciate. Keyhole is a film that rewards multiple viewings, as each viewing reveals new layers and hidden messages within the film's complex tapestry of themes and motifs.

Overall, Keyhole is a haunting and poetic film that is both challenging and rewarding in equal measure. With standout performances from Jason Patric, Isabella Rossellini, and Udo Kier, Guy Maddin delivers a breathtaking cinematic experience that is sure to linger in viewers' minds long after the credits roll.

Keyhole is a 2012 crime movie with a runtime of 1 hour and 33 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 5.4 and a MetaScore of 63.