A Trip into Nightmare Alley

Smoke and Mirrors

Photo credit Nicolas Postiglioni

You know a movie is going to be dark when the first shot is of a man dragging a dead body. It’s my only spoiler on this movie, because the plot twists are deeply intertwined in this psychological thriller.

The story is of Stan, a con man, played by Bradley Cooper. He has a questionable past and literally runs away from home and joins a carnival. Not only does he learn a few employable and captivating skills, he meets some very interesting people, strongman, snake man, bird girl, fortune teller, little man, psychic and an electrifying woman Molly, played by (Patricia) Rooney Mara. There is also the dark and demented, caged and enraged Geek.

Stan is an apt pupil when it comes to learning the secrets of deception. He learns valuable life lessons amongst the carnie crew. “You can’t draw a real crowd by faking it,” said the Carnival Manager Clem, played by Willem Dafoe, “Then you throw him the chicken… he’ll Geek.”

“If you’re good at reading people, it’s because you learned it as a child. Trying to stay one step ahead of whatever tormented you. If they really did a number on you, that crack is hollow and there’s no filling that.” says Peter, played by David Russell Strathairn.

Peter gives him a few warnings, “When a man believes his own lies, starts believing he’s got the power…