Caffeinated Clint
“The Night Clerk” is an intimate, exceptionally well-performed thriller that’s anchored by one of the more unique protagonists in recent times.
A mesh of “Rear Window” and “Sling Blade”, the Michael Cristofer written and directed pic tells of a socially challenged, voyeuristic motel clerk (Tye Sheridan) who becomes the prime suspect in a murder investigation after a woman turns up dead. While the case is closing, he befriends a woman (Ana de Armas) who could be the killer’s next victim.
Like an educated sprinter that uses up most of his gifts in the first stretch, ultimately tiring himself out before the last lap, “The Night Clerk” loses stream in its third half with a rather underwhelming finale. Still, its about the journey, not the destination right!?
There’s some brilliant performances here (supporting players Jonathan Schaech, Helen Hunt and Denis O’Hare included), with Sheridan especially impressive, offering up a complex and considerate turn serves cinema as well as it does suffers of Aspergers.
