Friday, March 05, 2010
Michael Allen
Writers: Bruce A. Taylor, and Roderick Taylor.
Open Graves is currently being distributed by Lightning Entertainment and the film was released on DVD February 23rd. The film is smart, sometimes funny and blends death with the naturalness of life i.e. surfing. Paradoxes abound, but centrally Arminan's story is one of tragedy and unfulfilled love, while nighttime sequences are given poor attention.
Briefly, Open Graves is about seven friends who sit down to play a boardgame, that was: "painted with her blood and tears" (Open). The her is a Spanish Inquisition era witch, who was burned for practicing black magic. The what is called Black Mamba and those who play often die, sometimes beg, and occasionally wish for their previous lives back.
This is intelligent filmmaking. The story of Open Graves is clever as characters fight for their lives against a mostly unseen enemy. The writing is interesting with explorations of mysterious worlds that can never be known. The multiple character deaths are teased and when the execution comes they are unexpected and well delivered. However, away from the writing, lighting and sets are given only bare attention during nighttime sequences.
Shots of surfers darting in and out of waves energizes the film early, but when a switch comes to darkness the sets are almost entirely lost. Too much is unseen in poor lighting, including one of the first character's death, which happens in almost entire darkness. Yes, great this is what happens at nite, yet shine some headlights on the character's face, as he screams for his life. Audio is not enough. The layering of darker torturous sequences with light, bright beach scenes is a highlight of the film, with a contrast of tones creating differing moods. Speaking of moods, unfortunately, for the central characters in film, this is also a story of horror and tragedy.
Here is an example of a paradox: I always lie. Say this line and think about it for a second. This is one paradox that is delivered through the boardgame Mamba, another is being invited to return to your life a week later. Would you relive your life the same way, if you had no memory of being sent back a week? Randomness and chance says no, but the film says yes and horror films rarely end happily.
One of the best horrific sequences involves character Elena removing herself from a burning car without much skin; there are others. In actuality the ending, with an appearance from Mamba, is horrific, as the characters remain frozen in time. You have to see this one to fully understand the plot devices and this reviewer invites you to do just that.
Despite the 3.9 rating on IMDB for this project, this film is worth more than that. IMDB is notorious for rating horror films poorly and while the credibility of voters can be questioned this film cannot. Put this one in your player of choice and enjoy the chaos for an hour and a half, as the intelligent writing of both Bruce and Roderick Taylor makes you think of supernatural worlds.
Camera techniques/transitions in shots: 7.
Photography/composition/lighting 6.5(daytime shots okay, nighttime not so good).
Symbolism/types of symbols/meanings: 7.5 (dragonfly equals change and renewal, the black mamba is symbolic of a hidden enemy - appropriate).
Overall: 7 biting snakes out of 10.
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Posted in: 2010,distribution,distributors,eliza dushku,ending,horror,lighting,movie poster,movie review,movie synopsis,plot,plot twists,release date,thriller,writing
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