Review: Elevator (2011)

Elevator (2011)

Director: Stig Svendsen

Elevator is the story of nine strangers trapped inside an elevator. They are all going to a party for an announcement of the retirement of the CEO, who happens to be on the elevator. It is revealed that one of them has a bomb strapped to her. She is seeking revenge against the CEO. Then she dies. Most of the film is about the characters trying to figure out how to get off the elevator before the bomb goes off.

This could have been an interesting interplay between characters from different socioeconomic backgrounds. Instead, it's an uninteresting, flat story about people stuck in an elevator. In contrast to a film like Devil, (2010, directed by John Erick Dowdle) which is a great suspense story set inside an elevator, this film fails to capitalize on its claustrophobic setting. An interesting cast of characters portrayed by some good actors, never get the chance to break out of stereotypical roles. There is the racist comedian, the rich old white man, and the nice overweight guy.

The storyline of the bomber could have been explored to create more suspense. However, once we learn the bomber's identity, the film loses its momentum. It then turns to gore and blood for shock value. You don't care about any of the people stuck in the elevator, with the exception of the one who is pregnant. You don't feel any sense of doom or urgency with the ticking clock. What could have been a study in themes such as corporate greed, racism, and infidelity, instead fails to be anything more than a boring retread of other movies you've seen before.

There is one reference in the film to Lifeboat (1944, Directed by Alfred Hitchcock). That film also had a group of strangers trapped in a small space with one of them harboring a dark secret. Written by John Steinbeck, it's a great example of a psychological thriller that takes place in one location. See that instead.

- Peter Browne

Review: Exam (2009)

Exam (2009)

Director: Stuart Hazeldine

Exam is a slick little thriller that takes a common story and tells it in a unique way. It contains a great opening sequence that visually introduces each of the characters without any real dialogue. Eight job candidates are placed in a room for 80 minutes. Each has a desk with a piece of paper and pencil. An invigilator enters the room and explains that this is their final test in what has been on ongoing process. There is one question and there is one answer. An armed security guard stands at the door. They are told if they try to leave, spoil their paper, communicate with the guard or the invigilator, they will be disqualified. When they turn their papers over, they are blank.

Immediately, one of the candidates is removed for writing on her paper. The remaining seven form a tentative alliance. One man takes charge when he tells the others they must work together. He gives them all aliases. He calls himself White, the others Brown, Dark, Blonde, Black, Brunette, and Deaf. These are the only names that are used throughout the film.

They begin to brainstorm ways to uncover the question. What begins as a team effort turns into a battle of wits and survival when White tricks another candidate into being removed. The stakes are then raised as they go from working together to turning on one another. Reminiscent of stories like Lord of the Flies, a power struggle ensues when White tries to take control of the situation.

Exam clips along at a fast pace and keeps the viewer unsure of both the question the candidates seek but also who will prevail. Loyalties shift between the characters, as well as the viewer's feeling about them. Brunette is a much stronger, tougher character initially, who shifts drastically when she is turned on by the others.

It's a clever story that quietly teases out the characters' backstories. It also makes one think of themselves, and how they would react in a similar situation. The ticking clock throughout the film keeps the tension up. It's more of a psychological thriller than a traditional horror film, but it does contain many classic horror elements. These include a claustrophobic environment, characters eliminated one by one, and an interesting twist at the end.

With all the action taking place inside one room, it feels like a play. It makes great use of limited space and a good cast to play off one another. Up until the end the suspense continues. Without a good script or cast this story could have fallen flat. But it doesn't. It keeps the tension up and has several great surprises before the final shot. Recommended.

- Peter Browne

Unveiling the Tension: A Look Back at the 2006 Thriller "When a Stranger Calls"

Unveiling the Tension: A Look Back at the 2006 Thriller "When a Stranger Calls"

Released in 2006, "When a Stranger Calls" is a psychological thriller that left audiences on the edge of their seats with its gripping narrative and suspenseful atmosphere. Directed by Simon West, the film is a remake of the 1979 classic of the same name. While the basic premise remains the same, the 2006 version adds a modern twist to the chilling tale of a babysitter facing a mysterious and threatening caller.

The story revolves around Jill Johnson (played by Camilla Belle), a high school student who takes on a babysitting job in a luxurious, secluded mansion. Her routine evening takes a horrifying turn when she begins receiving menacing phone calls from a mysterious stranger. Terrified, Jill contacts the police, who trace the call and inform her that the caller is inside the house. What follows is a heart-pounding game of cat and mouse as Jill must confront the stranger and survive the night.

The 2006 adaptation takes advantage of contemporary technology, incorporating cell phones and advanced security systems to intensify the suspense. The film taps into the fears of the digital age, where the line between safety and vulnerability is often blurred. The use of technology not only updates the story but also resonates with the audience's current anxieties.

Simon West employs various cinematic techniques to heighten the tension throughout the film. The use of shadow and light creates an eerie atmosphere, keeping the audience on edge. The expansive, isolated mansion becomes a character in itself, contributing to the overall sense of dread. The suspenseful soundtrack complements the visuals, enhancing the psychological impact of the film.

Camilla Belle delivers a compelling performance as Jill, effectively conveying the fear and desperation of her character. As the film primarily focuses on Jill's harrowing experience, Belle's ability to carry the emotional weight of the narrative is crucial to its success. The audience is drawn into her plight, making the suspense all the more palpable.

"When a Stranger Calls" received mixed reviews from critics, with praise for its suspenseful moments and modern updates but criticism for its adherence to the original plot. Some argued that the film relied too heavily on jump scares and predictable horror tropes. Despite this, it found success at the box office, tapping into the audience's fascination with psychological thrillers.

While the 2006 version of "When a Stranger Calls" may not have achieved the same iconic status as its predecessor, it remains a noteworthy entry in the psychological thriller genre. The film's ability to capture the essence of fear in the digital age, combined with its intense storytelling and modern twists, ensures its place in the annals of suspenseful cinema.

"When a Stranger Calls" (2006) may be a remake, but it successfully infuses the classic tale with contemporary elements, creating a gripping and suspenseful experience. With its modern adaptations, effective use of cinematic techniques, and strong lead performance, the film provides audiences with a thrilling ride into the heart of fear. Whether viewed as a standalone thriller or in comparison to its predecessor, the 2006 version of "When a Stranger Calls" remains a chilling exploration of the thin line between safety and terror.