KINORAFIELD GUIDE TO FILM
2021 · 151 min · R

Nightmare Alley

Directed by Guillermo del Toro · Crime, Drama, Thriller

Nightmare Alley (2021) is a Crime film, directed by Guillermo del Toro set in Buffalo during the 1930s–1940s. It runs 151 minutes and is rated R.

A con artist and neo noir, with a bleak and tense tone. Themes of greed & ambition, fate & destiny, and betrayal play out through frame narrative.

Composer
Nathan Johnson
Cinematography
Dan Laustsen
Cast
Bradley CooperCate BlanchettToni ColletteWillem DafoeRichard JenkinsRooney MaraRon PerlmanMary Steenburgen

The world of this film

Setting

Where
Buffalo
Setting
Rural
When
1930s1940s

Premise & themes

Premise
Con ArtistNeo Noir
Themes
Greed & AmbitionFate & DestinyBetrayal
Structure
Frame Narrative
Tone
BleakTense

Shape

Protagonist
Solo LeadAntihero
Pacing
Measured
Dialogue
Balanced
Based on
Pure Fiction

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