When Lack of Realism Can Make a Movie Better: A Case Study in 'Heavenly Creatures'

Every once in a while, a film that does not strictly adhere to the often-obsessively detailed standards of cinematic realism can leave a more profound and haunting impact on the audience. This is especially true in the case of Peter Jackson’s 1994 film, 'Heavenly Creatures.' The movie’s deliberate embrace of the unreality of its storytelling not only enhances its storytelling but also contributes to making it a towering, unforgettable piece of cinema. This article aims to explore the specific aspects of Heavenly Creatures's unique narrative structure and technical choices, which contribute to overcoming the limitations of realism to enhance the overall viewing experience.

The Unreality of 'Heavenly Creatures'

Heavenly Creatures is a biographical thriller adapted from the 1988 book “Postcards from Detective Peters Sons” by Williamjurie and David Charles Chapman, chronicling the true events of the kidnapped corpse murders committed by students Pauline Parker and Paula Broadwell in Christchurch, New Zealand, in 1951. The real-life storyline itself is already far from conventional, but Peter Jackson’s adaptation deliberately distorts the boundaries of realism to serve the psychological and emotional needs of the narrative.

Visual and Cinematic Choices

The film refrains from adhering to a rigid, period-specific visual style, instead opting for a more dreamlike and surreal setting. Jackson’s visual choices include a predominantly desaturated color palette, with occasional bursts of bright color to highlight specific scenes or emotions. This technique not only breaks the fourth wall but also allows the viewer to shift between the past and the present, enhancing the sense of memory and imagination that defines the narrative.

Soundtrack and Editing

The soundtrack composed by Michael Hedges and the editing choices also contribute to the film's dreamy quality. The music is often sparse, evoking a sense of disconnection and detachment, while the editing shifts seamlessly between present-tense flashbacks and past events, blurring the lines between reality and fantasy.

The Impact on the Narrative

This aesthetic choice allows for a more nuanced exploration of the characters' mental states and the societal pressures that led to their actions. It also helps the viewer deepen their emotional investment in the protagonists, even as their actions diverge from conventional morality. The disparity between the harsh realities of the time period and the gentler, more childlike narrative creates a powerful contrast that makes the film’s message even more poignant.

Exploring the Real and the Unreal

While some viewers might argue that a film should strive to remain as realistic as possible, Heavenly Creatures challenges this viewpoint. By embracing unreality, Jackson effectively counters the idea that a film must mirror the real world to be impactful. Instead, he demonstrates that skewing the visual and technical details can be a tool to explore the complexities of human psychology and relationships in a way that realism alone cannot achieve.

Realism as a Barrier

In many films, especially those dealing with historical or true events, filmmakers face the challenge of balancing historical accuracy with creative storytelling. Audiences are often drawn to films that not only entertain but also educate. However, striving for overly literal realism can sometimes stifle the emotional resonance that a story is intended to evoke. Films like Heavenly Creatures show that by loosening the reins on realism, one can transcend the limitations of strict historical accuracy, allowing for a richer, more impactful narrative experience.

Conclusion

In conclusion, 'Heavenly Creatures' is a testament to the power of cinematic unreality. By choosing to embrace a dreamlike quality, Peter Jackson crafts a film that is both true to its subject matter and transcendent of its time period. The deliberate lack of realism enhances the emotional and psychological depth of the narrative, making the film a more powerful, resonant, and unforgettable piece of cinema. This approach to storytelling serves as a valuable lesson for filmmakers everywhere, illustrating that sometimes, the art of film lies not in its strict adherence to reality but in its willingness to transcend it.