Boom
I got nothin'
- Joined
- Jul 2, 2003
- Messages
- 56,144
- Reaction score
- 23,320
- Points
- 203
Let me preface by saying that "scary" is not the word I would use to describe this film. Unsettling, disturbing, and eerie - any of those seem more appropriate. Honestly, throughout the film you're just waiting for things to get worse and worse. Eggers does a masterful job of not letting up the suspense.
Couple of quick hits:
I loved it. Again, I wouldn't call it scary. But Eggers builds up atmosphere and suspense masterfully, and it all leads up to a very disturbing final ten minutes. Gorgeously shot, exquisitely written, brilliantly acted, fearlessly directed. It's a horror film I see myself watching time and time again. Cannot wait for what Eggers does next.
Couple of quick hits:
- The use of animals in the film is some of the best I've seen, particularly for this genre. Eggers made a rabbit unnerving. Seriously. **** that rabbit.
- The acting is top notch - child actors included. The movie has one of the most disturbing possession scenes I've ever watched - because it comes from such a real place. No voice modulation, no fancy special effects. It's all in the boy's performance. Held my breath throughout the entire scene - and it ends on such a crushing note.
- Black Phillip steals the show by the end. The final scene between him and Thomasin, if Eggers had filmed it any other way, it would've come across as laughable. Instead, it's the scene that probably sticks with me the most. Eggers gives you just enough to have an understanding of what is happening, and lets your mind do the rest.
- The score is perfect. Among the best I've heard for a horror film.
- I was raised Roman Catholic, and while I'm not exactly a practicing Catholic at this point in my life, certain aspects of this film got under my skin. To see this family trying desperately to serve God faithfully and unyieldingly, only to see their prayers ignored as Satan ****s all over them, it's tough to watch from a religious point of view.
- There are actual witches. They're basically natural-looking women - albeit nude, haggard, bloated, and wrinkled. Oh, and they fly on brooms.
- The dialogue is a bit hard to get through at times. It'll take multiple viewings, and I for one will be greatly served by subtitles on DVD.
- The acting is top notch - child actors included. The movie has one of the most disturbing possession scenes I've ever watched - because it comes from such a real place. No voice modulation, no fancy special effects. It's all in the boy's performance. Held my breath throughout the entire scene - and it ends on such a crushing note.
- Black Phillip steals the show by the end. The final scene between him and Thomasin, if Eggers had filmed it any other way, it would've come across as laughable. Instead, it's the scene that probably sticks with me the most. Eggers gives you just enough to have an understanding of what is happening, and lets your mind do the rest.
- The score is perfect. Among the best I've heard for a horror film.
- I was raised Roman Catholic, and while I'm not exactly a practicing Catholic at this point in my life, certain aspects of this film got under my skin. To see this family trying desperately to serve God faithfully and unyieldingly, only to see their prayers ignored as Satan ****s all over them, it's tough to watch from a religious point of view.
- There are actual witches. They're basically natural-looking women - albeit nude, haggard, bloated, and wrinkled. Oh, and they fly on brooms.
- The dialogue is a bit hard to get through at times. It'll take multiple viewings, and I for one will be greatly served by subtitles on DVD.
I loved it. Again, I wouldn't call it scary. But Eggers builds up atmosphere and suspense masterfully, and it all leads up to a very disturbing final ten minutes. Gorgeously shot, exquisitely written, brilliantly acted, fearlessly directed. It's a horror film I see myself watching time and time again. Cannot wait for what Eggers does next.
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