Film Filter: Off- I have to start out by saying this is probably my all time favorite horror flick. Anytime anyone asks me for a good recommendation, this is the first one I spout. I think it's virtually a flawlessly made scary movie, and it seriously creeps the shit out of me EVERY time I see it. For reals.
Pros- Besides everything? Hmm, let's start with the fact that it's my favorite (self-generated) movie genre of Theological Thriller. I love that movies of that classification have a haunting sense of realism to them, as they don't feature stereotypical movie "monsters" seeking blood or vengeance. For me, these films strike a deep cord of fear that roots itself in its plausibility. The idea of something I actually believe in haunting me without any way to control it, or myself, is much more frightening than a foot tall gingerbread man stalker, midget leprechaun assailant, or gargantuan hooked villain. But hey, that's just me.
This movie also has fantastic symbolism and cinematography. Leave it to a spiritually-rooted film to create mass symbolism (no pun intended), right? This film is no exception. Above and beyond its spiritual symbols, its use of the colors red and white in different scenes does not go unnoticed, and even the Rachmaninoff prelude in C# minor that is played by Emily on the piano is indicative of a dark, haunting theme. Also, the cinematography sort of piggybacks off of the symbolism concept. Although not exclusively relevant to each other, the screen shots and scenery in certain parts of the film help enhance the symbolism, while providing a wide array of aesthetics to feast on through the duration of the film.
Going off of that concept, the ability to have a story with a small group of key characters as opposed to one main character allows us to have a variety of stories and perspectives in the film. The nature of the time changes (going from the present to the past) also accounts for this. These concepts help the film to become diversified, while not deviating from the main point of the story.
The acting in the film is very good, especially on behalf of Jennifer Carpenter who plays Emily Rose. This seems to be Carpenter's first big film, and it mustn't have been easy to portray a possessed person. You know an actor does a great job when it isn't until the fifth time you've seen the movie that you think, "Gosh, that must've been really hard PRETENDING to be possessed..." because the thought that they aren't actually possessed hadn't occurred to you.
Cons- Psssh! Really?
Wrap-up- There are many other things that are great about this movie, but why read about it here? Why don't you just watch it already?
Thursday, October 27, 2011
Wednesday, October 26, 2011
Film Filter: Off - Orphan
Film Filter: Off - As per a request by my mother, I decided to rent this movie from Blockbuster. She had said that it was really good, and for the most part, I'd be inclined to agree.
Pros- Firstly, I have to commend the cast of the film, as I thought all characters were portrayed very well, especially Esther and Kate.
Another one of the things this movie had going for it was the way it interpreted a commonly used storyline. The familiar adoption or inclusion of another person who deviates from the "norm" is seen in a variety of films, some done better than others. One of the keys to using this concept well is the ability to allow the audience to grow to empathize with/pity the antagonist before they become the antagonist, which this film does well.
It's also refreshing to see a dysfunctional family on screen. Too often families are portrayed a little too picture perfect, and it makes it difficult to relate to them or get behind them or their situation in the film. The combination of a once unfaithful husband to a once alcoholic wife who miscarried her third child but bore a normal son and a deaf daughter definitely defines this family as far from perfect.
Lastly, the twist toward the end of this film is truly unexpected, and very unique. It puts a lot of prior actions into perspective, and helps move the story along rapidly after it's revealed.
Cons- Although Esther's character is slightly, if not completely deranged, I think sometimes the extremes of her actions come off as a little unbelievable at times. Of course, we all understand that she's pretty nuts, and crazy people tend to be unpredictable, but so much of the movie has a realistic tone to it, that her outburst sort of feel out of place.
The only other thing that I can complain about in regards to this film is the stupidity of Kate's other two children. Bribed to keep Esther's secrets from their parents, they both find themselves unable to tell their mother about Esther's behavior, even though it will clearly cause someone harm in the long run. Most of the time Esther is present for any opportunity in which they could rat her out, but the one time she is not, both of the kids wimp out. It becomes innately frustrating throughout the film, as it puts almost all of the protagonists into a stupid, helpless situation.
Wrap-up- Overall, this movie was very well done, with quite an unexpected ending. Thanks for the recommendation, Mom!
Pros- Firstly, I have to commend the cast of the film, as I thought all characters were portrayed very well, especially Esther and Kate.
Another one of the things this movie had going for it was the way it interpreted a commonly used storyline. The familiar adoption or inclusion of another person who deviates from the "norm" is seen in a variety of films, some done better than others. One of the keys to using this concept well is the ability to allow the audience to grow to empathize with/pity the antagonist before they become the antagonist, which this film does well.
It's also refreshing to see a dysfunctional family on screen. Too often families are portrayed a little too picture perfect, and it makes it difficult to relate to them or get behind them or their situation in the film. The combination of a once unfaithful husband to a once alcoholic wife who miscarried her third child but bore a normal son and a deaf daughter definitely defines this family as far from perfect.
Lastly, the twist toward the end of this film is truly unexpected, and very unique. It puts a lot of prior actions into perspective, and helps move the story along rapidly after it's revealed.
Cons- Although Esther's character is slightly, if not completely deranged, I think sometimes the extremes of her actions come off as a little unbelievable at times. Of course, we all understand that she's pretty nuts, and crazy people tend to be unpredictable, but so much of the movie has a realistic tone to it, that her outburst sort of feel out of place.
The only other thing that I can complain about in regards to this film is the stupidity of Kate's other two children. Bribed to keep Esther's secrets from their parents, they both find themselves unable to tell their mother about Esther's behavior, even though it will clearly cause someone harm in the long run. Most of the time Esther is present for any opportunity in which they could rat her out, but the one time she is not, both of the kids wimp out. It becomes innately frustrating throughout the film, as it puts almost all of the protagonists into a stupid, helpless situation.
Wrap-up- Overall, this movie was very well done, with quite an unexpected ending. Thanks for the recommendation, Mom!
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