How do you handle visions about the future that are so real that you're sure they're going to happen? I suppose that's what it's like to be a prophet, but being a prophet in 2011 is a quick way to get you committed.

Curtis LaForche (Michael Shannon) was having incredibly vivid visions; so much so he began to build an underground shelter much like Noah began building his arc. Curtis envisioned a biblical storm that would decimate all in its path. The problem is no one else believed him, and there is that small thing about his mom (Kathy Baker) being schizophrenic. Perhaps it was hereditary.

"Take Shelter" moves slow and methodically. It's a bit hard to be patient with the movie as Curtis' life crumbles around him and we're waiting to see if his visions are correct or not. Curtis is such a good guy you don't want him to be going crazy, but you have to prepare for that possibility. To add to his complications he has a deaf daughter (Tova Stewart) in need of an expensive surgery. Curtis paints himself into an untenable position: his vision must come true or he must come to grips with his mental illness.

Curtis (Michael Shannon) has visions of impending doom, or is he mentally disturbed. His bad dreams and hallucinations drive him to steal heavy equipment from his work and build a storm shelter in his backyard. Once his supervisor finds out, and he loses his job. His wife Samantha (Jessica Chastain) is at her wit's end. The family is in dire's straits, and he's losing his sanity.

Writer/Director Jeff Nichols creates a nightmare without end. But it's the amazing intensity from Michael Shannon that makes it work. His acting and the landscape creates the required atmosphere. However at 2 hours, the movie is a little too long. There are stretches in the middle that are too slow. It definitely needs trimming.

What an incredible Powerhouse performance by Michael Shannon. If you hadn't noticed him before, then you will know his name after this movie. Incredible how variable he is. From bad guy, to crazy guy and back again, he can also be quite silent. This role is a turn for him, being really the main actor in this. And he carries the movie with such ease, that you wonder, why there aren't a lot of other movies with him in the main role. The future should change that!

Other than that, the story itself is really slow building (which can be taken literally for one of the aspects or more of the movie). There is a few things you can read into this movie, if you want to. On the other hand, you have to be patient with it too. Don't expect this to be "edge of your seat" material or anything else this isn't. Be aware of the movie you are going to watch and enjoy it! :o)