Pan's Labyrinth: I was scared and grossed out so much by my first viewing of this film that although I wanted my pre-teen kids to watch it, I felt it was too intense. When I watched it again I realized that it WAS intense but all the scares and gross images were all in my mind. It is a horror movie, but mostly it is because of what Del Toro is painting on the inside of my skull.
Gerald's Game: I haven't' seen the film, but this book was one of three (It, and Dolores Clairborne were the others) that made me decide to give up on reading King because they were TOO effective. I found myself afraid to be alone for a period of time and my mind running with gross images I didn't want to live with. I hesitate to watch the film, but know that it is a book that would possibly turn into one of the better King adaptations.
The Bad BatchM. Night Shayamalan is certainly coming back, but for a while he hit a rough patch. This patch partly began because the expectations for him exceeded his imagination and ability. And it also was because he was indulgent. He was allowed to do whatever the hell he wanted because his name was placed before any story as a mark of quality. But I appreciated his indulgence, even the often derided Lady in the Water, because it was basic, childish, and kind of fun. Robert Rodriguez went that direction, as did, of course, George Lucas. It is as if the films were made up of "wouldn't it be cool if" answers instead of careful plotting and character development. And often I like that (unless someone is ruining a cherished universe, and yes, I'm looking at you, George). It's enjoyable to follow someone's romp through Wonderland, to toss a bunch of ideas on the the wall and see what sticks and, heck, lets throw some of this in even though it doesn't really work.
And that is the approach to filmmaking that Ana Lily Amirpour has. So what if a girl is walking alone at night, but she's the one to be scared of? And she's a vampire? And she's a hooker in a burka? And what if... What if the United States kicked everyone out who they didn't like, for whatever reason? What if every met a pack of cannibals, right at the border? What if Keanu Reeves had a harem? What if Jim Carey were a hermit who never spoke? There isn't a lot of focus in her film, but a lot of fun. Like hanging out with her in the middle of the night at a pub that would like to close but we keep adding to the story saying, "And what if...?"
I like that kind of thing. And adding in some Sergio Leone and some chill music and I'm satisfied. I wish there was more George Miller action as well as atmosphere.
3.5/5
- Slightly Scary, or actually not really scary, but really gross at times.