Shades of Day
Shades of Day

Movie spotlight

Shades of Day

2006
Movie
102 min
English

"Shades of Day" is a suspenseful Hollywood fable based on Fyodor Dostoyevsky's classic novella "White Nights"(considered one of the greatest love stories ever written), but here transferred to modern day Los Angeles. It's the first part of our "Dostoevsky-L.A" project, which also will include "Crime and Punishment, LA" and "Idiot, L.A". The film crosses and re-crosses the thin line that separates tragedy from comedy. It introduces us to the enchanting Linda, whose life is centered around a planned reunion with her former lover Paul. Her plans change in remarkable ways as she encounters an extraordinary cast of characters, including a new lover and a movie producer who is pursued by the Mafia.

Insights

IMDb4.5/10
Rotten Tomatoes25%
Metacritic38/100
Google Users40%
Director: Alan SmitheeGenres: Drama, Thriller

Plot Summary

A psychological thriller that delves into the fractured psyche of an artist haunted by his past. As he attempts to complete his magnum opus, the lines between reality and hallucination blur, leading him down a dark path of obsession and paranoia. His relationships fray as he confronts the demons that threaten to consume him.

Critical Reception

Shades of Day received a mixed to negative reception from critics, with many citing its convoluted plot and underdeveloped characters as major drawbacks. However, some praised its atmospheric tension and a few performances, though not enough to elevate the film overall.

What Reviewers Say

  • Praised for its attempt at psychological depth, but ultimately hindered by a confusing narrative.

  • Performances were adequate, but couldn't save the film from its weak script.

  • Visually interesting at times, but the overall impact was diminished by poor pacing.

Google audience: Audience reviews indicate a general dissatisfaction with the film's story, with many finding it difficult to follow and unsatisfying. Some viewers appreciated the moody atmosphere, but the majority felt it was a disappointing experience.

Fun Fact

The film is famously credited to 'Alan Smithee,' a pseudonym used by directors who wish to disown a project.

AI-generated overview · Verify ratings on official sources

My Review