Excellent but underrated film

There are moments in this movie where the great movie it could've been peek out... They're fleeting, here, but they're worth savoring, and they happen often enough to make it worth your while.

All of these films share one commonality, that being a kind of emotional center that humanizes a cast of monsters.

There are moments that feel comical, some horrific, and some downright inspiring but the tonal shifts hardly matter as the end results come to a film that's perfect for this time.

First off all, let me tell you (as lots of reviewer did before) that there's superb acting in this movie - Cillian Murphy does an awesome job, and so do his co-actors. Unfortunately all this good work comes to nothing - I just don't buy the plot. It's the same problem I'm having with Face/off - it's next to impossible to believe that no one recognizes that Emma is in fact John (or vice versa), or at least that Emma isn't a biological woman? Even in a rural town someone should get suspicious. It's just a much too big whopper to swallow.Then there's a second problem: The plot sounds like a comedy: Getting a train car by accident into your back yards, being hit by the same car as being Emma, the mayor wanting to have a rally at the said car, John/Emma having to switch personalities and doing some fast thinking to keep the secret - this is a recipe for a nice, light hearted comedy. Unfortunately it's not - it's dead serious, no traces of irony/humour at all, not even played as a dramedy/tragicomedy.So to me this movie fails - and fails big, because of the artistry, the effort of the actors.

I haven't seen this movie yet, but I know that it was filmed in Iowa. I am from Iowa born and raised and am glad to hear that it was filmed here. Apparently there is a part in the movie that states one of the character's was born in Ladora, crazily, that is where I am from. It has about three hundred people here in Iowa. Just wanted to share my excitement about that since most folks in Iowa don't even know of a place called Ladora. Essentially it is mind blowing to hear that you small hometown, that no one knows about is referenced somewhere in a movie. I am gratified to hear about this news, yet feel quite tickled to death. I hope that more movies are made in Iowa, it's a pleasure hosting them.

Why You Might Like It: This movie primarily surrounds an individual who is suffering from split personality/gender disorder and revolves around his struggles to keep it under control and hidden after a train derails and ends up in his back yard making him and his home an overnight media destination. Cillian Murphy does a great job and the supporting cast is filled with familiar faces (Susan Sarandon, Ellen Page) who all play their parts well. The movie has a semi-Hitchcock feel to it from a directing standpoint and manages to peak your interest just enough to keep you watching.Why You Might Not Like It: The movie is somewhat slow and dialogue driven for the most part. There are some obvious loopholes or reasons to find the movie unbelievable if you wanted to focus on that, but they aren't something that would sway me away from watching the movie. There are better movies that fit this mold out there, but this one really tends to focus on the struggle of the individual suffering from the condition above all else. Acting/Casting: 6.5* Directing/Cinematography/Technical: 5.5*Plot/Characters: 5.5* Entertainment Value: 5* Total - 6.5+5.5+5.5+5 = 5.625*

If you want to see an actor exceeding himself in a quite disturbing setting, you should give "Peacock" a try. Cillian Murphy plays the quite quiet bank employee John Skillpa who keeps his life and his whereabouts to himself. One of these aspects is Emma Skillpa, a second personality John has developed in secrecy. In the mornings, Emma takes - nicely made up and dressed - care of John's breakfast, lunch, and everything else a husband might have to do. After breakfast, John takes over and leaves for yet another day at work. Everything changes, though, when Emma is accidentally presented to the public and people in town are suddenly aware of her existence. Things start to turn and John's life is about to change dramatically.A fantastic Susan Sarandon, a bittersweet Ellen Page, and a believable Josh Lucas play alongside Cillian Murphy who portrays both John and Emma convincingly. The pace of "Peacock" seems just fine and increases as it is supposed to be. I liked the directing of "Peacock" because it creates suspense and despair at the same time and catches the audience's attention nicely. The soundtrack is a wonderful addition to the somehow depressing settings of John's home and his office at work. People looking for a movie that simply looks and feels good, will presumably not enjoy watching "Peacock". It is absolutely nothing to be seen in between or just to have a good time. The audience is forced to deal with John's mind, his life, and his past. Some questions might even be left unanswered after watching, but this also depends on the audience and the attention people pay. I was truly satisfied with this movie and the actors' performances. Too bad "Peacock" did obviously not get the attention it deserves.