Originally I was kind of p!$$ed because all I saw were these painfully OBVIOUS and stupid 'planted' 'reviews' REALLY going over the top on how orgasmically awesome this film was. An INSTANT turn off. However, in reading later reviews I was able to gather that there was a decent chance that I might like this movie. I really like Psychological Horror films. Well, I just now finished watching it and I was quite impressed by the quality of the movie. Also, This type of film is not terribly easy to do because the direction and writing REALLY have to be spot on in order to pull it off properly. Well, I'm here to tell you that in my lowly and wretched opinion, they did a very good job indeed.
As others have noted here, it is very similar to Polanski's 'REPULSION'; a Psychological Horror film. Since there was ultimately very little dialog, I really appreciated the quality of the sound design. It was very intriguing and quite effective in creating the right mood for this story. Right off, I really liked the soundtrack; and, as things progressed and the mood got more off-kilter, the band really did an excellent job in enhancing the increasingly disturbing atmosphere. Toward the end it REALLY reminded me of Goblin in some of Argento's films like 'SUSPIRIA'.
The script and direction worked well together in that the director was able to build a very believable mood and atmosphere, which is critical to this type of film. He also brought out an excellent performance from the main actor depicting his progressively unravelling state of mind. I didn't really care too much for the way the doorman was portrayed. I think I understand what the director was trying to do with his character, but to me personally I felt that he came across as a bit clichéd in his dialog and the way it was delivered. A bit too cardboard for my taste. However, that doesn't really take away too much from the main thrust and weight of the film or the disturbing / unbalanced mood that is very effectively created.
So, bottom line... IF you like this kind of slower, more heavily psychological type of Horror / Thriller that is mostly mood, atmosphere and state of mind, then you will like it because it is done very well. BUT, if you like your Horror more gory and in your face, then you most likely will find this more boring and slow.
I really liked the use of time lapse photography across the city and the use of the Gothic images in the designs of the building, etc. I REALLY felt the way that the director used the lighting & editing was extremely effective. I particularly loved the scene, even though very subtle, where the lighting flickers across behind the boy watching the laptop. VERY nice! Without giving too much away, I REALLY felt for the guy and I could feel myself saying 'Come on man; if you can just hold on a little longer...!'
Oh, and it was also interesting to see how the fellow apparently liked his pv$$y... (heh heh...)
As others have noted here, it is very similar to Polanski's 'REPULSION'; a Psychological Horror film. Since there was ultimately very little dialog, I really appreciated the quality of the sound design. It was very intriguing and quite effective in creating the right mood for this story. Right off, I really liked the soundtrack; and, as things progressed and the mood got more off-kilter, the band really did an excellent job in enhancing the increasingly disturbing atmosphere. Toward the end it REALLY reminded me of Goblin in some of Argento's films like 'SUSPIRIA'.
The script and direction worked well together in that the director was able to build a very believable mood and atmosphere, which is critical to this type of film. He also brought out an excellent performance from the main actor depicting his progressively unravelling state of mind. I didn't really care too much for the way the doorman was portrayed. I think I understand what the director was trying to do with his character, but to me personally I felt that he came across as a bit clichéd in his dialog and the way it was delivered. A bit too cardboard for my taste. However, that doesn't really take away too much from the main thrust and weight of the film or the disturbing / unbalanced mood that is very effectively created.
So, bottom line... IF you like this kind of slower, more heavily psychological type of Horror / Thriller that is mostly mood, atmosphere and state of mind, then you will like it because it is done very well. BUT, if you like your Horror more gory and in your face, then you most likely will find this more boring and slow.
I really liked the use of time lapse photography across the city and the use of the Gothic images in the designs of the building, etc. I REALLY felt the way that the director used the lighting & editing was extremely effective. I particularly loved the scene, even though very subtle, where the lighting flickers across behind the boy watching the laptop. VERY nice! Without giving too much away, I REALLY felt for the guy and I could feel myself saying 'Come on man; if you can just hold on a little longer...!'
Oh, and it was also interesting to see how the fellow apparently liked his pv$$y... (heh heh...)