Gore Verbinski went through a phase of being a particularly successful big-budget director - with the first three "Pirates of the Carribean" films grossing incredible amounts. That came to a screeching halt a couple of years ago with his attempt at "The Lone Ranger". His current effort is unlikely to reboot his career - a gothic thriller that looks impressive but has big script and cast issues, it's overly long and, despite moments of interest, resolutely fails to compel.
Part of the problem may be the choice of leading man. Dane DeHaan. He's resolutely not a mainstream leading man, with an odd skinny face and an over-prominent jowl. The writing for this one doesn't do him many favours - his character is painted in the initial setup scenes as a rather shitty human being, and once he's in the Swiss health spa that forms the location for most of the film, it's difficult to care much about him and whether he'll uncover all the dastardly secrets that lie beneath.
The secrets that are revealed are big bold and gothic, and as the central conspirator, Jason Isaacs does have a certain charm that works well as he remains sinesterly detached. And there are a few nice threatening images as the wildly unhealthy nature of the health spa becomes more and more apparent.
But this really doesn't hold together as anything other than a mess with occasional interesting bits.
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