Secret Window  (2004)

Starring: Johnny Depp, John Turturro, Maria Bello
Director: David Koepp

Rating: PG-13

Studio: Columbia Pictures

Release Date: 03.12.04

Review Posted: 03.16.04

Spoilers: None (except where noted)

By Rachel Sexton

Depp Dominates Stephen King Thriller

Though he has supposedly retired, Stephen King’s name is so prevalent that you wouldn’t know it. Two weeks ago, his series Kingdom Hospital appeared on ABC, and now comes an adaptation of his novella "Secret Window, Secret Garden." Scary is just one word to describe anything written by King, but this film is much more than that. Johnny Depp’s talent, a well-written story, and good direction make Secret Window stand above most other thrillers.

The plot of Secret Window is an intriguing one. Mort Rainey (Depp) is a depressed writer going through a divorce after catching his wife (Maria Bello) with another man (Timothy Hutton). One day, a menacing guy named John Schooter (John Turturro) shows up at Mort’s door and accuses him of plagiarism. He keeps coming back to the house which turns into a deadly vendetta against Mort. Now Mort must figure out how to answer his threats.

Now, I want to discuss a major plot point in the film. MAJOR SPOILER BEGIN. Shooter actually turns out to be a figment of Rainey’s fractured psyche. Mort is the one killing everyone! I reveal this because after this becomes clear I noticed how adept writer/director David Koepp was at giving the viewer clues to this. A brief moment involving a set of keys is the most conspicuous one until you think back over the film. When you do, things like the use of a voice-over and a particular dream stand out as possible hints. I think the fact that this is the case is a mark of the quality writing Koepp has done. END SPOILER.

I want to say a few more things about the writing. King is usually a good source material and Koepp knows how to make the material cinematic. The plot points and the progression of the storyline never veer into the unrealistic. Much of the scares are memorable and the final shot is particularly wicked in terms of what it implies. As a director, Koepp succeeds as well, especially in the area of subtext. There is an ample amount of window imagery in the film, with the use of not only of windows but doors and frames as well. He also combines the use of oblique camera angles and special effects successfully.

The production values here are also good. The location of Mort’s house is surrounded by picturesque woods and a large lake. Phillip Glass’ score is mostly atmospheric and unobtrusive. The costuming is sometimes memorable, especially Mort’s robe and Shooter’s hat. Moreover, Depp manages to be a charismatic lead and this is his film. I was so psyched about his Oscar nomination because it was way past due. Secret Window adds another dimension to his screen persona, which I hope will bring him even more opportunities to receive praise. Of the supporting cast, John Turturro is cast well and Maria Bello is good, too. I also like seeing Timothy Hutton again who I wish would get larger roles.

A good script with great direction and an amazing leading man are the reasons why Secret Window is a quality thriller. Another large part of the film’s effectiveness may be the Stephen King name as this script couldn’t have been good without good source material. If you want something that is scary, mysterious, and features a big twist, see this film. Fans of Johnny Depp should see it, too!

Film Rating: êêêê1/2  (out of 5)

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