Review: Cat People

Hey all, Rhianne here with a review of Cat People which is showing as part of the Dundead Horror Festival at Dundee Contemporary Arts.

Directed by Jacques Tourneur, the original 1942 version of Cat People is a classic in the horror genre which is hugely underrated. It is a film which cleverly combines shadows and sharp shots to create an unnerving cinematic experience.

The film focuses on the unsteady relationship of Irena, a Siberian-born fashion designer, and her husband Oliver. Irena is terrified that an ancient curse will cause her to turn into a deadly panther if is she becomes aroused, resulting in their marriage to suffer severely. Alarmed and rather baffled by a theory she is completely convinced is true, Oliver sends her to see the psychiatrist Dr. Judd. After attending her first meeting, Irena returns home to see Oliver and his friend Alice from work rather close to one another. From this moment onwards, Irena becomes fixated on destroying Alice, whom she believes to be the cause of ruining her future with Oliver.

Simone Simon plays the mysterious Irena, and turns in an incredible performance as she begins to lose her sanity. She is convincing throughout the entire film but the highlight of her performance is her portrayal of Irena as she becomes increasingly paranoid and closer to unleashing the lethal panther within.

It is clear that the lighting of this black and white film is crucial to creating a tense atmosphere, along with some sharply cut scenes. Tourneur uses shadows to create the horror in this movie as it all forms an illusion of whether Irena is actually a panther or not. The scenes in the swimming pool are one example of this technique being used as you hear crashing waves and a series of shadows around the pool as Irena supposedly attacks Alice as a panther. Tourneur builds on the idea of being frightened when walking home alone with the use of lighting along a dimly lit street as Alice fears Irena is stalking her. It is an incredibly simple idea that will stay with us after leaving the cinema as the terror built up in this scene with quickening footsteps, is something we all fear on a dark night walking home alone.

This film is guaranteed to have you on the edge of your seats throughout due to the drama created from the psychological nature of the plot. Cat People is a cult classic which is due significantly to the use of lighting and editing. It imprints the idea of there being someone or something following you when there really isn't. Or is there? Together, this shows that an effective horror movie does not just have to involve gore, but rather terrorize our minds rather than our eyes.

Discovery Youth Screen Award

Click here for more information about the Discovery Youth Screen Award.

Deadline is 12th September. We're looking for the best, most imaginative and skillful films made by Scottish under 18s.

Review: Rear Window

Rhianne here with a review of one of my favourite films, Rear Window.



Rear Window is a classic film by the great Alfred Hitchcock. Based on a short story by Cornell Woolrich, Hitchcock has made(yet again) a brilliant thriller, that never fails to lose suspense.

In the film, we follow L.B "Jeff" Jeffries(James Stewart) who has broken his leg and is forced to remain in his apartment as he is confined to a wheelchair. With having nothing to do, he watches the dramas that his neighbours face, leading to the shocking discovery that one of them has committed a terrible crime. Jeff believes that Lars Thorwald(Raymond Burr) has murdered his wife, and ropes in his girlfriend Lisa(Grace Kelly) and his nurse Stella(Thelma Ritter) to assist him, letting a mystery unravels across the courtyard...

The setting of this film has a big part to play in making the film what it is. It is based in Jeff's apartment and a courtyard, similar to the setting of Rope, which I think adds to the suspense of being so close to a man that could be a killer. The amount of drama that is created as a result of looking at your neighbours activities is utterly brilliant. It may seem like it is a ridiculous idea but Hitchcock builds up on this throughout the film, unmasking what turns out to be a horrible nightmare. With such a simple setting, Hitchcock allows the audience to learn a little about each of the neighbours at the very beginning of the film as they feature throughout it, referring to them with nicknames like Miss Lonelyhearts and Miss Torso.

James Stewart turns in a fantastic performance as the wheelchair bound photographer. He portrays him effortlessly, and is so captivating as he tries desperately to convince those around him about the murder across the courtyard. Stewart allows the audience to engage with his character and wins us over with one of his best performances. His girlfriend is played by the stunning Grace Kelly, who is a great addition to the film. She fits the part perfectly and I couldn't have imagined anyone else playing it as well as her. Thelma Ritter is also brilliant as Jeff's nurse Stella, as she adds some humour to the story. The accused murderer is played by Raymond Burr, who plays his part very well. He is totally believable, as his facial expressions alone are really terrifying, if looks could kill...

As the film reaches a climax, Hitchcock turns up the suspense and creates one of the most unforgettable scenes in film history. Jeff comes face to face with Lars Thorwald, and it is obvious from the events that have taken place, that the problem will not be solved easily. Filmed in colour, this plays an important part in these scenes as it gives a better and more shocking impact. Hitchcock has managed to entice the audience as it leads up to the gripping and spectacular finale. Finishing with an overview of the courtyard, he lets us say goodbye to the characters we have seen, and rounds of the film perfectly.

A truly thrilling film from the master of suspense, that will always be remembered. It is a perfect example of why Hitchcock is so highly regarded in the world of film. Even today, the famous storyline is never forgotten, and has even been used in The Simpsons. There is never a dull moment whilst watching this film and I recommend it to anyone who loves film as it is a true classic. Don't forget to keep an eye out for the small appearance that Hitchcock makes in all his films! Will you be able to spot the man himself?

Review: Attack the Block

Jessie here with a review of the brilliantly funny sci-fi film, Attack the Block.

You may think you've seen the 'alien invasion' genre done in every possible way, until you've seen it done on a South London council estate. Not many alien invasion films begin with the invader being beaten up by a gang of teenagers with a penchant for petty crime, but Attack the Block does, and it does it brilliantly.

"What kind of alien would invade some council estate in South London?
"One that's looking for a fight!"

And yet, the film manages to make its bizarre premise so convincing that we are immediately absorbed in the action. When hundreds more meterorites containing revenge-fueled aliens drop from the sky, we are right behind the gang in their quest to 'defend their block'.

Director Joe Cornish has commented on how inspired he was by the sci-fi look of urban housing estates. He captures this perfectly: the gritty underpasses and long dark corridors of the block are ideal for the creation of a creepy and ominous atmosphere. However, the film is also a fantastic comedy, balancing out the thrills with laughter. The funniest character for me was 'Brewin', played flawlessly by Luke Treadaway, who perfectly encapsulates the "posh stoner" role (being out-of-place and completely high during an alien invasion is just inherently funny).

The cast of unknowns each deliver excellent performances, and the chemistry between them is palpable. At first, their characters seem mean and menacing, and when they mug a nurse at knifepoint, we aren't exactly sympathetic towards them. However, throughout the film, each character becomes funnier, smarter and more human, and we can't help but relate. By the end of the film, the group of delinquents become trusty, brave and ultimately heroic.

This is where the film's social commentary lies. We soon discover that the teens first portrayed as the typical 'threatening youths' are in fact just disadvantaged children doing the best with what they have. In a particularly poignant moment, it is revealed that the tough leader of the gang, Moses, is only fifteen, living in a neglected household. Although the film sometimes hammers in this "actually good kids" message slightly too hard, it is still a positive response to an often negative portrayal of young people.

Attack the Block is a solid, fun film which despite its high-concept, never feels like a parody. It's a cinematic, energetic adventure which deserves a firm place in the sci-fi genre. Highly recommended, blud.

Attack the Block is screening at DCA until the end of May.

Hanna Review

 

Hanna (2011)

Dir: Joe Wright

12A

 

Hey it’s Rachel here!!!! I recently went to see the film Hanna, which is showing at the DCA at the end of May. Hanna (Saoirse Ronan) is 16-years-old and has been brought up in the wilderness of North Finland by her father Erik (Eric Bana). She is not living a normal teenage life though; she is training to be an assassin. You might expect her to be quite weak, as she is only a teenage girl, and not have the upper hand against a dozen soldiers, but she does!!!!!!!! There is only one reason why Hanna has been training to be an assassin and that is to kill CIA agent, Marissa Wiegler (Cate Blanchett). You slowly realise why there is a feud between Marissa and Hanna’s family. Hanna and her father set off on different paths to find Marissa, but they promise to meet each other in Berlin. But to find out if they do you’re just going to have to go and see the movie. I personally thought Hanna was a very weird movie as you don’t see a 16-year-old girl assassin everyday, but I was surprised by how much I actually enjoyed the film!!!! I also thought that Saoirse Ronan’s played her part really well. And there is a very good soundtrack from The Chemical Brothers!!!! I’d recommend this movie to anyone that likes Kickass and anyone who loves to sit down and watch an action movie!!!!

By Rachel Lonie =) 

Hanna is screening at DCA from the 27th of May to the 2nd of June. http://www.dca.org.uk/

Review: Scream 4

Hey all, Rhianne here again with another film review. I have just been to see Scream 4 and I was persuaded by friends to write a review of it, but they might have just wanted to get a mention in it! So here is my review of Scream 4...



As you can guess from the title, Scream 4 is the fourth film in the horror franchise. Like all of the other films, it is directed by Wes Kraven, who once again does a brilliant job. The film features all the characters we know and love from the previous films, including the infamous Ghostface, as well as many other recognizable faces. It is a great film to go and see with your friends, especially if you are too scared to go alone, as you can all face the terror together! For those of you who are devoted fans or just love a scare, then this film is for you.

Ten years have passed, and Sidney Prescott(Neve Campbell) has taken control of her life, and written a book about it. She returns to Woodsboro as the anniversary of the murder's is about to take place, re-kindling her friendship with Dewey Riley(David Arquette) and Gale Weathers(Courtney Cox), who are now married. We are also introduced to her Aunt and her cousin Jill(Emma Roberts)who are her remaining family. As you can probably predict, the Ghostface killer makes a re-appearance, devoted to tormenting Sidney wherever she goes. As a result every one close to her is put in danger, including the rest of Woodsboro.

The film is similar to the others, but it is just as good on delivering shock and gore. The opening scenes are definitely the best, as they immediately grab your attention, trapping you in their fright fest. From the beginning you will attempt to play the detective and try to suss out who the killer is, most likely failing as the plot thickens. When things calm down a little(or there are no murders) life in Woodsboro turns tense as people start to question who the killer is like the audience. Without the murders the story is quite boring, so in a good way they add to the film's brilliance!

Stereotypically, the acting in horror films is not usually great, but in Scream 4 it is actually rather good. Featuring a large cast, it mixes a blend of famous faces as well as young talent, who are all terrific. Neve Campbell is at her best playing the tormented Sidney, who is at the heart of the film since her past always follows her. David Arquette is also good as the likable Dewey, as is Courtney Cox although she isn't quite as good as she was in the previous films. Emma Roberts is surprisingly good as she takes on a much darker role than usual. All of the characters are believable and make up for what the script lacks in.

Scream 4 certainly does not disappoint and is a brilliantly executed addition to the franchise. It may just seem like another sequel, and there have been a few now, but it is definitely worth a watch. You will find yourself laughing, gasping in shock, clinging to your seat, but most of all, screaming at the characters to look behind them! Overall, Scream 4 is one of the better slasher films out there, and it will be sure to take you on a terrifying journey, even if you do know what is coming.

I leave you with these final words to ponder over...

"What's your favourite scary movie?"

Review: Into The Wild

Hello everyone, Rhianne here. The next addition to our Discovery blog, which is another review, still with many more brilliant ones to come! It was only last night that I saw Into The Wild for the very first time and I thought it would be a great chance to tell you about it.



Into The Wild is based on the true story of Christopher McCandless, played by Emile Hirsch, a young man who sets out to live in the Alaskan wilderness. He gives his entire savings to charity, and leaves behind his family to carry out his ambition. Sean Penn directed and adapted the screenplay for the film, which results in a stunning piece of film-making. The film is deeply moving, taking us on an emotional roller coaster as we follow the story of Christopher.

Although the film focuses on Christopher's journey, his sister narrates the story, which I think gives us a deeper insight into the effect he has on leaving his family. The voice-over is a welcome addition as it is informative and the film would have less meaning without it. Christopher does make it to Alaska as the film has flashbacks to his incredible journey that lead him there. After abandoning his home, he sets off on what is to become an unbelievable journey to find himself, and changes his name to Alexander Supertramp so he isn't found. To reach Alaska he treks, kayaks and hitch-hikes, meeting some amazing people along the way.

He forms a friendship with the older Ron Franz(Hal Holbrook) which creates an amazing on-screen partnership. Emile Hirsch working with Hal Holbrook is truly brilliant, as Holbrook brings a deeply emotional presence to the screen. Their characters have such an impact on each other, and their final scene together is one of the best in the film because it is so moving.

The film relies heavily on Emile Hirsch's acting, which I think is outstanding. His performance is exceptional for being in his early twenties as it is such a hard-hitting tale. It is a gritty and powerful performance, and he owns the role. The cast is quite small but they all play their parts well, as the film needs to keep Christopher's story at the heart of it.

Into The Wild is an incredible film that manages to show the beautiful and harsh outcomes of Christopher's story. It is deeply touching and manages to take the viewer on a journey at the same time. The end sequence is unforgettable, and gives the film a very sensitive ending to the extraordinary tale of Christopher McCandless.