Just a blog about movies, sandwiches and a bunch of other random stuff.

Tuesday, March 6, 2012

Not So Silent House


I'm not really a fan of the horror genre, but I am a fan of original and creative filmmaking, which is why I was attracted to "Silent House" in the first place. Chris Kentis and Laura Lau (Open Water) both sit in the director's chair for this new indie horror flick starring the new indie darling, Elizabeth Olsen. What intrigued me the most about this film is the marketing campaign where all that I heard about it was that it was 88 minutes long and in real time. It's supposedly "one cut" too, but there are several times where it noticeably cuts. I knew nothing about the plot before I saw it, and I think that's the best way to view this (and every other horror/thriller movie).

It is interesting to choose a real-time, virtually-no-cuts route with a movie. One of the greatest strengths of cinema is its ability to manipulate and influence time or, at least, the audience's perception of time. For a horror film, especially, editing strategies such as quick or dramatic cuts are used to heighten suspense. So the fact that the filmmakers deliberately cut out one of the biggest fear-inducing aspects of horror filmmaking is fascinating. This also means that without editing, they need some really good actors.

The acting is by far the strongest part of this film. The story is okay, but the ending leaves a lot to be desired. Same with the direction, I mean if you're going to have "no cuts" in your movie, once the cameras start rolling your job is pretty much done. It's really all about the actors in this one and Elizabeth Olsen, a.k.a. the best Olsen sister, proves herself as an impressive actress. The only other wide release movie she has been in so far is "Martha Marcy May Marlene", a role she won widespread praise for, but don't worry about her, she has a solid list of movies lined up over the next two years.

It's by no means a bad movie, but unless you're a fan of the horror genre or Elizabeth Olsen, I'd sit this one out.

Silent House: 6/10