Livid

Posted on August 18, 2012 by Craig Micklewright

Viewed – 17 August 2012 Blu-ray

When French directors Alexandre Bustillo and Julien Maury unleashed the brutal, intense ‘Inside’ on unsuspecting horror junkies back in 2007, a new breed of extreme, bold film makers had arrived, leaving this viewer exhausted and more than a little scarred. So any following venture by this bold directing duo was going to be a must see – although what we have finally got, is a very different piece of work than you might have expected.

Lucie (Chloe Coulloud) is a young care worker who following a visit to an old house where an elderly woman lies in a coma, discovers that this woman used to be a famed dance instructor, and is very wealthy, with rumors of a hidden treasure. That night Lucie decides to break into the house with her boyfriend and another man, with hopes of finding the treasure – only to discover that something evil is waiting for them.

Borrowing it seems from classic Dario Argento movie Suspiria, we have re-animated ballerinas, an evil vampire, a spooky house and lots of creepy music. Bustillo & Maury’s movie is not short of ideas, and the first half certainly pulled me in with its freaky imagery and nail-biting atmosphere. Yet the movie it becomes, despite potential, is a sort of mish-mash of styles, part haunted house, part vampire fest, part art house movie – and its a bizarre mix that never really gels. Shame, as when things get going it is scary and disturbing (a dead ballerina on a podium music box … shudder), but along with unconvincing performances and a tone that shifts uncomfortably from realism to dream-like fantasy, this is a movie that doesn’t know what it wants to be. On a technical basis, its a grand step up from Inside, which was often amateurish in its camera work and music … but with this material, and its scatter shot approach, the directors would be advised to work harder on their writing next time around. Disappointing.

Verdict: 2.5 /5

The House Of The Devil

Posted on February 21, 2011 by Craig Micklewright

Viewed – 21 February 2011 Online rental

I’ve made no secret of my almost obsessive love of the horror genre. For me there is little that compares to the atmosphere, the thrills and the pure adrenaline of a good horror movie, and some of the best movies ever made in my opinion, have come from that genre. So naturally this throwback to late seventies / early eighties chillers came as an easy proposition for me.

Newcomer Jocelin Donahue plays struggling student Samantha, who applies for a job as a babysitter to an ageing couple at a house in the middle of the countryside (!). Now despite the concerns of her best friend after the couple turn out to be more than a little strange, Samantha accepts the job, spending an eventful evening at the creepy house.

Directed by relative newcomer Ti West, this shockingly authentic retread of early eighties horror borrows heavily from the likes of The Exorcist, Suspiria, Rosemary’s Baby and The Omen. Tension is gradually built up, helped by an eerie score and superbly shot camera work that makes every shadow and corridor unnerving, and when the shocks come, this viewer was left really shaken. Ti West’s movie may offer little new to the genre, but he certainly knows how to make an effective and gripping experience, that thankfully delivers when it needs to and holds back long enough to make you a nervous wreck. It may feel rushed at the end, with some confusing moments and a little too much build up, but these are small gripes for what is otherwise an impressive ‘celebration’ of a genre back when it really had some balls.

Verdict: 4 /5

Review: The Innkeepers, 2012, dir. Ti West (agcrump.wordpress.com)
AICN HORROR: Ambush Bug talks with director Ti West about his new film THE INNKEEPERS! Plus a review of the film! (aintitcool.com)

Suspiria

Posted on January 30, 2010 by Craig Micklewright

Viewed – 29 Jan 2010 Blu-ray

Dario Argento’s iconic 1976 gothic horror is probably one of the most unique and influential horror movies ever made, forming the inspiration for countless horror movies that followed, including John Carpenter’s legendary Halloween. Following the story of a young ballet dancer (Jessica Harper) as she attends a prestigious German dance academy, and soon stumbles upon a secret witches coven. Yet this very basic premise is only half of the appeal of Suspiria, as it is probably the most striking looking movie I’ve ever seen. Inspired by dreams, fairy tales and gothic imagery, Argento’s most celebrated work is a treat both for the eyes and even more importantly, the ears with Goblin’s oppressive, freaky soundtrack overwhelming the movie to near bursting point.

I have seen this one many times and it is definitely a favourite of mine in the horror genre, and the murder set-pieces are among the director’s best, with a shocking, intense and hardcore opening that once seen is not easily forgotten. Over the years I guess it’s impact has been diluted somewhat, the acting remains amateurish and the characters wafer-thin, but as with any Dario Argento film, the actors are not really the focus, and the camera work, beautiful set-design and near-artisitic violence still dazzle to this day.

The newly released Blu-ray from Cine-Excess is a mixed bag. Sound wise it is something to behold, with a faithfully restored version of the original score reproduced to stunning effect in DTS HD Master Audio. The image quality is less impressive, that while for the most part seems cleaner and a lot more colourful than previous DVD editions, seems marred by overly high contrast, making some scenes look excessively bright, with skin tones especially suffering. On repeated viewings however the high-art style of the movie certainly suits the intense colour scheme and many of the set-pieces are given a new lease of life.

Extras consist of a very informative and funny commentary by horror enthusiast Kim Newman and Argento-file Alan Jones, as well as a new documentary and interviews – making this still a worthy package for fans and newcomers alike. Just a shame the new HD print couldn’t have been a little better handled.

Verdict: 4 /5

Mother of Tears reviews!!

Posted on September 8, 2007 by Craig Micklewright

Well the great man himself, Dario Argento turned 67 yesterday, and as if to coincide with the celebrations, his latest opus Mother of Tears was unveiled for the first time ever at the Toronto Film Festival.

So far this eagerly awaited (at least by his fans) third part of the 3 Mothers Trilogy that began life with the legendary Suspiria in 1978 has been getting positive reviews and seems a return to form for the acclaimed horror director.