Taking Horror in Film to the Next Level

"Eden Lake," has received a limited release and it has sparked a great deal of talk amongst horror fans. The film has aroused feelings of fright, sadness, excitement, and anger in many film audiences, but the important theme of British thuggery has been dealt with in an exceptional way. "Eden Lake," was created as a very unique piece of cinema art, and must be watched by those who are interested in, and can handle strong subject matter. Writer and director James Watkins has stepped way out of the typical Hollywood formula of; boy meets girl, boy loses girl, and boy gets girl back. Instead "Eden Lake," delved into a new formula where a happy couple is terrorized, harassed, assaulted and then brutally tortured.

Release Date: October 31, 2008 (USA).

Starring: Michael Fassbender, Jack O'Connell, and Kelly Reilly.

Rating: A strong R for brutal violence, pervasive language, some nudity, and brief drug use.

Director: James Watkins.

This film's plot is very non-standard, with Jenny a nursery school teacher and her boyfriend Steve making their way to a remote camping spot. Unfortunatly, there at the campsite this young couple bumps into a group of obnoxious kids who are hell bent on destroying their good time. As tempers flare and the vandalism escalates, an already tense situation develops into a fight for survival. It is not the intention of this review to give away major plot developments, but let it be known that this picture is gruesome throughout and ends on a terrifying note.

The haunting musical score is the creation of master composer David Julyan and the music of the film adds to the overall tension of "Eden Lake." Julyan is also the musical director of other films including; "The Descent," "The Prestige," and a forthcoming feature "The Descent: Part 2." Much of Julyan's musical score is very eerie with few light notes, and the score acts as a subtle guide to heighten the film's intensity. The music is very reminiscent of the horror film "The Descent."

One message that "Eden Lake," effectively delivers to the audience is that if youth violence is not kept in check then it will develop into a national concern. This theme comes across early in the film; through a radio broadcast in the car, and throughout the film with many instances of violence involving juveniles. As well, in the final few scenes of "Eden Lake," one of the main gang members breaks the fourth wall by peering into the camera. While smirking at the movie-watching audience it becomes clear who is the winner of this chilling film.

If you can sit through some initial terrifying scenes then in the end your reward will be a very open ending, which will leave most people thinking about this film days later. Watch this film for its message and how it delivers it, and you will thank yourself for the experience that is "Eden Lake."

Watch the full trailer for "Eden Lake," from traileraddict.com below:



Sources:

Eden Lake at the Internet Movie Database

Posted in: 2008,eden lake,film,horror,Jack O'Connell,Kelly Reilly,limited release,Michael Fassbender,october 31