The Ghost and the Whale (2017) User Reviews

I'm torn on this one

[popcolin · 5/10 · 18 September 2019]

On the one hand the first half of the movie was a very intreguing setup with nearly every dramatic interaction in every scene very well acted and played out satisfying.

But on the other hand the last 40 minutes turned into some kinda unbelievable thriller/cat & mouse action scenes which, when paired with the first half of the movie, kinda left a "huh?" feeling in me since the setup seemed like it was going a different direction.

And definitely my fault but once I realized, about halfway through the movie mind you, that all the stuff with Joseph wasn't taking place in the past but actually in real time along with all the other characters left me super confused because wouldn't the family just go after him and make him pay??!? versus going through all the other stuff like torturing the reporter very randomly and terrorizing the doctor? It just didn't make any sense. If the family has a problem with him they hardly seem like the type to go causing problems with innocent people.

That's just my take away. All the dramatic scenes were very nicely acted. Honestly if the last half played out differently I would have rated it higher. Just know this is based on content, not the fact that this is clearly not a big budget movie. It is very well done regardless

Disturbing and unsettling

[Gordon-11 · 24 May 2016]

This film tells the story of a journalist, who goes to a small town to cover a story of a man with bipolar disorder, who is believed to have done something which led to the death of his wife in the sea.

From the description, I thought the film would be an introspective film about a tormented man. In reality, the film is about a group of violent and severely disturbed townsmen who uses every means possible to get their way. The violence is graphic and disturbing. The bipolar man serves only as a vehicle to bring out the violence in the plot. There is little ghost or whale scene, so don't expect these based on the title. After watching the film, I feel disturbed and unsettled.

Good movie

[nenms11 · 6/10 · 14 January 2022]

It was an excellent thiller. Using Tippi Hedren as a come on with the birds in opener was just a shill come on. Other than that it held my attention.

Jonathan Pryce was perfect for his role.

Worth a Look

[auntj1961 · 9/10 · 19 March 2017]

Loved the message of the movie. Mental health is not addressed enough in this country. Using an actor who suffers from bi polar in real life was ingenious. I really felt the pain of the character. Tippi Hedren is from one of my favorite movies so I love seeing her. This is definitely worth renting and keep an open mind when watching it.

TREMENDOUS

[onecoolpsychic · 10/10 · 25 November 2018]

An exceptional film, largely overlooked upon it's initial release. It was recommended to me by my acting teacher for, as he put it, "A great film, created by real story tellers" . Agreed.

The performance by director, Anthony Gaudioso alone was spectacular. One of the top villains I've seen in cinema. Terrifying when you look at what he looks like in real life, to what he became. Well done.

The film is a staunch, unflinching look at love, loss and fate. Exceptional writing and masterful directing by The Twins.

It's high concept in a relatable story. You really have to pay attention to to appreciate. References to the great Edgar Allen Poe, Melville and Hitchcock.

Notable performances by the cast round out this ensemble, most specifcally, brother - James Gaudioso, Kelley Ann Flynn & Tim Brennen

100% recommend.

Beautiful, Riveting Story

[isabelmonca-462-603792 · 9/10 · 18 April 2020]

Beginning with an Edgar Allen Poe quote and having been filmed in the same town as Hitchcock's "The Birds," it is clear that this movie is going to take you on a thrilling journey. And that it did. Seemingly innocent at first, journalist Ed Hale (played by the talented James Gaudioso) comes to town to cover a theater production story. But we quickly find out that in actuality, he has come to uncover the truth about the death of a woman, and the husband that was left behind. The wife's family, made up of miscreant personalities, believes that the husband, Joseph Hawthorne, had something to do with it. One especially so, Jack Lee, who is unsettling and terrifying, only so because of Anthony Gaudioso's striking, formidable, and incredible performance. Joseph Hawthorne is haunted by his wife Annabelle's death, as he is unsure of what happened and if he actually played a part in it. Joseph struggles with bipolar disorder (accurately and wonderfully played by Maurice Benard), going through manic episodes where he plays out that day on the boat and even imagines Annabelle, "The Ghost," in front of him at home. His conversations with "The Whale," voiced by the incomparable Jonathan Pryce, is his way of processing what happened and whether it was him who killed Annabelle, or it was the whale that led her to fall into the ocean.

Jack and the other Lee family members go on a bit of a rampage, violently assaulting the journalist Ed and even setting their cousin Mitch's barn on fire with him in it. They are firm in their belief that Joseph killed their sister and that this journalist is bringing up things they don't want to hear. As Mitch says, they don't want to hear the truth that it was an accident. They won't believe it, even if someone in their own family says so. People sometimes will go to extraordinary lengths to hide their grief, and the Lee family does just that.

This ultimately leads to a showdown of sorts between Jack, Joseph, and Ed. Jack, haven taken Joseph's new friend Sweetie, mocks him by standing with her in the ocean while he frighteningly teeters at the shoreline. Jack then pushes her aside and attacks Joseph, and begin to fight. Ed, meanwhile, is up on the dune shotgun in hand, waiting for a clear shot. When an opportunity appears, he pulls the trigger and shoots Jack dead. It is then that Joseph gets clarity -- Annabelle's death was an accident after all -- and he makes peace with the ocean, walking into it to join his friend "The Whale."

The ocean's duality, functioning in both a destructive and healing nature, is important, especially with it being a quaint seaside town, the two being connected like one lung to the other. The townspeople and the ocean coexist with each other. Writers have always used that relationship, as does Anthony Gaudioso in this beautiful, riveting story. As someone who grew up in a seaside town, I thoroughly enjoyed this film and its off-kiltered way of showing the importance of truth, the multiple facets of grief, and the way a town will hide them both.

TGATW is a riveting movie

[bpfaffl · 9/10 · 19 March 2017]

From beginning to end the movie keeps the viewer interested. The character development is excellent and the story is a troubling view of life through the mind of a bipolar man grieving and searching for answers. Maurice Benard gives an excellent performance convincingly portraying a man torn apart with grief and self destructive guilt in a town with no pity. I would strongly recommend this movie . It was well written, directed and acted.

TGATW Fantastic Movie

[rpunte-16541 · 10/10 · 19 March 2017]

TGATW is a fantastic movie. Maurice Benard truly is one amazing actor. He will take you on a ride thru his ups and downs. Give this movie a chance. I don't think you will be disappointed. Watching the character of Joseph Hawthorne come to terms with what happened to his wife is very much gut wrenching and edge of you sit entertainment. Thank you Maurice for you genuine portrayal and for this amazing movie!

Mysteries of Minds

[jeanmariesullivan · 10/10 · 19 March 2017]

This under-promoted drama/mystery about a man named Joseph who is struggling with bipolar disorder and the mysterious death of his wife, is one of the best films I've seen. With an intriguing plot, a stellar cast, and beautifully shot scenes, it grabbed my attention and kept me at the edge of my seat.

The plot unfolds in such a way that I felt the dark despair, the disabling confusion, the pain, the deep love, the manic highs, the glimmers of hope, and the relentless need for answers right along with Joseph. The pace is up and down, fast, and frenzied just as Joseph's mind operates.

True to life, surrounding him are people who are ignorant about mental illness and willing to ignore him, condemn him, hurt him, hate him, and be frightened of him. Only one person is willing to get to know the real Joseph and this allows the audience to meet him, too.

Joseph's roller coaster ride throughout the film made my emotions jump from angry, to confused, to scared, to sickened at the pain human beings inflict on each other. Yet, at the same time, I found reasons to smile, to care, and to hope. The ride was truly memorable for me.

Excellent film

[maddhypes-72157 · 10/10 · 10 January 2017]

I literally have no idea what the other reviewer was talking about. I saw this gem at the WGA and it received a standing ovation of over 500 people. It is an exceptional film with intelligent characters and an intricately woven story that demands attention rather than the all too often movie goer gives. This is an exceptional important film which shines a light on the mental health field and in particular Bipolar disorder. After his wife goes missing during a whale watching expedition a forlorn Joseph Hawthorne believed to be innocent by half the town and vilified by the other half becomes a self repressed reclusive and goes off his stabilizing medication of Lithium. A year later a reporter with a resume but little knowledge of the intricacies of a small town decides to get the skinny of what actually took place. At the same time the ill fated brides brother returns from a 10 year stint in a state facility for manslaughter, just in time to exact his revenge on the man he feels robbed him of his baby sister. This is an intelligent film with demanding performances by Anthony Gaudioso as Jack Lee, coincidently Gaudioso, also wrote, directed and produced the piece, no small feat. The incomparable Jonathan Pryce appears as the films narrator and the complicated ID of our protagonist Joseph Hawthorne (Benard) Films like this are tricky and this film no doubt is good, actually better than good as it weaves three complex story lines into one creating a Hitchcockian cat and mouse between the reporter, Jack Lee, (Annabelle Lee's brother) and its central protagonist. This is not an easy story again and a bit high brow without the pretentiousness one might assume. It's only shortcomings are that of it's restrictive budget. Shot only on750k the film for at least this view was a winner. The only restriction is the films budget, a mere 750k and for that the filmmakers have a winner.

Solid Film

[anthonychristopher11 · 10/10 · 11 January 2017]

At it's core, a well made film by clearly thoughtful filmmakers. There is a coherent journey told in this movie. Beyond the layers, lies a secret within the town that seems to tear at the inhabitants, almost immediately. We are led by an ivy league, know it all, pursuant of what he deems, 'his' story - at any cost.

A vindictive family intersects with the co-tagonist right off the bat, which makes for fireworks because the actors who play the family as well as the journalist are sensational. Maurice Benards character is interesting. He plays a man-apart, not terribly dissimilar from his character on TV, but leagues deeper and more profoundly vulnerable. An inspiring performance from a life-long vet.

This one gets my approval. It's a thrilling, fun and well told story by the Gaudioso Twins & co.

An Indie film with merit!

The Ghost and The Whale Extremely Moving!

[maxinefromlv · 10/10 · 19 March 2017]

The Ghost and the Whale,was a great film. It had all the necessary aspects of making the film exciting. The acting was superb. The entire cast was marvelous. Its star, Maurice Benard, was absolutely terrific in this role. He is an extremely versatile actor. I've been a fan of Mr Benard's for 25+ years. He never disappoints.Every emotion one wants to have when seeing a movie, was achieved when I saw THE GHOST AND THE WHALE. If I could give it more than a 10, I would. Maxine Bennett

Intense & Mysterious

[valsvet · 10/10 · 1 April 2017]

This movie will will draw you in a keep you wanting more. I was absolutely 100% invested in the main character and his story from the very beginning. An inside look at the life of a person living with bipolar. A well written story of lost love and fighting your inner demons. Maurice is an outstanding actor and a powerful advocate for all of us living with BP! If you haven't had a chance to see this movie yet, I recommend jumping on Amazon and checking it out. You won't be sorry!!

Excellent Movie 🎥

[dhlightning-07067 · 10/10 · 30 November 2018]

Maurice Benard is my favorite actor.. and his performance in this movie is nothing less than phenomenal. The depths of emotion and mental awareness challenge the character in ways that the town looks at him negatively. Check out this movie and see what happens as a man struggles with himself and the outlook of others. I loved this movie... it's deep.

Great Film

[tonilynn-04123 · 10/10 · 19 March 2017]

I thought this was a Great film. It was very creative in its approach to mental illness.I enjoyed this movie and I would watch it again and also would recommend it to others. Loved Maurice Benard in the lead role. He is a Fantastic actor and very intense in his portrayal of Joseph.

Plot twist's and intrigue make this a must see movie

[Gene6227 · 8 June 2017]

The Gaudioso Twins have captured this movie's story line and presented it in such a way as to keep your interest until the very end. This dynamic team of brothers will become tomorrow's Ron Howard. They have a vision and the talent to succeed writing, directing and starring in their chosen profession. Given the chance theirs will be a name to remember.

The Ghost and the Whale does a lot well...

[codymauro-92913 · 8/10 · 2 May 2022]

At the core of the film is an interesting mystery: Did Joseph Hawthorne kill his wife? He's a troubled guy, after all, off his meds and struggling to remember the day she disappeared. It's easy to believe he definitely did crime, and it's easy to believe he definitely didn't. That's where the fun of the film's earliest minutes lies.

The best moments in this film, though, are those involving the character Jack. He generates so much suspense, oh my god. He's eerie from the moment he appears squeezing the spike on a barbed wire fence, and then just fun-to-watch psychotic as he conducts a revenge mission.

He's one of those characters you can't wait to see on screen again, but then when he appears, you kind of dread it because you know everyone is in danger. There's a scene with him and his family in a park that's incredibly intense, evil, and well-performed. My heartrate jacked so high I must've burned 100 calories.

Another highlight includes Dusty Lee, Jack's sister. She's believably creepy and in a lot of the film's most fun scenes. Just a nice spark to Jack's flame. Also, shoutout to poor Ed Hale, who just wants to write an interesting story for the newspaper and ends up having, like, the worst two weeks ever.

Enjoyed the film. The characters speak a lot of the subtext, and some of the relationships would've benefitted from a little more screen time and room to develop, but when the 100 minutes were all over, I was glad I took the journey.

These twins are the next Jim Cummings

[ethanlandry · 10/10 · 2 May 2022]

Like Cummings, the Gaudioso Twins combine genuine charismatic personas with exceptional talent as both actors and filmmakers.

With The Ghost and the Whale, they have crafted a deeply personal, empathetic and thrilling drama that takes a man's struggle with loss, memory, and mental health and contrasts it with a dogged reporter, turning over stones he shouldn't, in relentless pursuit of the truth.

There is sincerity ringing throughout, a reflection of both the core values of the filmmakers and the grounded, yet still wonderfully surprising, script by Anthony Gaudioso.

These are filmmaker's filmmakers, and actor's actors. As a nod to the Bodega Bay shooting location made famous by Hitchcock, Tippi Hedren makes a memorable cameo. Johnathan Pryce is at his philosophical and whimsical best voicing the whale. Anthony Gaudioso is a bombastic and provocative villain, and James Gaudioso is the lightning rod that grounds an electric ensemble.

This film is an early work from filmmakers to be reckoned with now and for years to come.

Literally a fantastic film

[Jenniferking14 · 10/10 · 3 May 2022]

I loved this movie so much. It's an incredibly written narrative which shines a much needed light on mental illness like so few films have done. The fact that Anthony Gaudioso wasn't nominated for an Oscar is literally shocking to me. This actor gained over 60 pounds for the role, wore colloidal silver on his face for 2 months as well as spoke in a coastal inflection. The fact that Hollywood didn't recognize him is NUTS. Jonathan Pryce is stellar as the Whale offering a stirring narrative. Monica Keena turns in a hauntingly broken performance as does Maurice Benard. Dominic Bogart is a notable mention as the embittered brother of Gaudioso's menacing turn as Lee.

Surprising whale tale is a rewarding watch for indie fans

[btbdkvpm · 9/10 · 4 May 2022]

The Ghost and the Whale is a unique and engrossing independent effort. Part sensitive melodrama concerning bipolar disorder and part intense thriller - this always surprising tale is a rewarding watch for indie film enthusiasts.

The legendary Jonathan Pryce voices the titular whale who is a metaphorical crutch and a personification of the mental illness of protagonist Joseph (played by Maurice Benard) who struggles with bipolar disorder and the inability to remember exactly what happened to his wife who disappeared while they were on a sailboat years back. Everyone in the small town of Bodega Bay struggles with the disappearance of Benard's wife in different ways. Especially her clan of dysfunctional family members. Directors Anthony and James Gaudioso populate this East Coast family thriller with a bakers dozen of memorable and authentic supporting characters. However, the stand-outs are the Gaudioso twins themselves who play intrepid investigative reporter Ed Hale (James Gaudioso)---who is trying to get to the bottom of the disappearance of Benard's wife and the hulking Jack Lee (Anthony Gaudioso) Benard's psychopathic brother-in-law with only revenge on his mind.

James' reporter Ed Hale strikes the perfect balance of inquisitiveness and empathy and truly is the sympathetic heart of the film. His performance is endearing, relatable, tragic, and redemptive. James' brother (and co-director and screenwriter) Anthony also has a star-making turn as the recently paroled Jack Lee. He crafts an iconic performance with notes of Robert De Niro's Max Cady and Tom Hardy's Bane. Gaudioso chews the scenery every moment he's onscreen in a tour-de-force performance that is equal parts bravado and melancholy.

As most indie cinema these days cranks out predictable and cookie-cutter narratives TG&TW is a refreshing combo of heartfelt redemption, bitter family drama, small-town mystery, and violent conflict that will stay with you long after the credits roll.

A Brief Intimate Look Into A Growing Issue

[ravendad-06250 · 9/10 · 9 November 2023]

No movie can really express the experiences of a person suffering from bi-polar disorder. However,to include some insight with an actor who suffers from the disease lends a realistic quality to the mindset of the character. Maurice has already shown his ability to share his struggle occasionally on GH but stepping away from his GH character shows how he can apply his representation of that struggle to an ordinary person in this movie. If you focus on his character dealing with loss and the affects of being unmedicated, you can redirect your attention away from the other characters who are also dealing with loss. More could be done with this story but I was left impressed and emotional.

Chasing the Ghost of the Whale

[antcraw · 8/10 · 22 July 2023]

Maurice Benard does a tremendous performance of a bipolar man grieving the loss of his wife in an accident at sea where he can't remember what happened, while navigating the resentment, hate, and doubt of the small town in which he lives, Bodega Bay (of The Birds fame), surrounding his guilt or innocence.

The film gets a lot right; the small town feel of suspicion and factions, the portrayal of untreated bipolar 1 disorder, the different ways in which people deal with grief, or choose not to.

The sub plot of the writer coming to town to investigate Annabel's disappearance seemed superfluous and distracting.

Although his arrival at Bodega Bay, being attacked by a crow with Tippi Hedren sitting on the porch watching was a nice nod to a classic.

Thought provoking and captivating!

[noneyourbusinessfool · 10/10 · 23 May 2022]

What a wonderfully written and unexpected gem of a movie. Keeps you engaged and at the edge of your seat! I believe this is a film that will speak to the masses of people who deal with emotional issues of any level. The writer depicts a man's emotional journey while he is dealing with personal tragedy. You are pulled in from the very beginning, and with all the twists and turns it's hard to predict what the outcome will be. For Hollywood which has become so predictable and repetitive it's great to see a new storyline that engages you and captivates you from the beginning up the end! The is probably one of the first movies I couldn't pick a half dozen other movies which it resembled. Love the originality of it. Curious of what other works could follow!!