Pickman’s Model is the fifth episode of the series created by Guillermo del Toro. This chapter is directed by Keith Thomas starring Ben Barnes, Crispin Glover and Oriana Leman.
Premise
A young art student meets a macabre painter who turns his world upside down.
About This Chapter
First thing you will notice in this episode is its defining trait: classicism. We are offered a tale set in the very early 20th century, in Massachusetts.
Fast forward to the “roaring” 20’s, in this story they hardly roaring nor chipper, it still maintains the legacy of a century prior in its gothic style. We cannot but help think of Hoffmann, Edgar Allan Poe, and of course, inevitably, Wilde. ‘Pickman’s Model’ deals with tormented painters, enchanted paintings, witches and old tales of ancestors.
The atmospherics are so well put together it is hard to believe this is a teleplay. It takes its time building up the story, and is in no way similar to ‘The Outside’, as it plays with the cinematographic collective (literary, as well), and blends genres at measured but at a quietly diabolical pace.
This is a story that is told throughout time, it is not anecdotal, and on a scenographic and atmospheric level we are given the cream of the crop in art direction. The photography is perfectly measured for this story, the performances are good, especially that by Crispin Glover in his role as Richard Pickman.
This is a number for the fans of more classical horror and romanticism (despite being set in the 20th century).
Release Date
October 27, 2022.
Where to Watch ‘Pickman’s Model’
Director
Keith Thomas
Cast
Ben Barnes
Crispin Glover
Oriana Leman
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