Sunday, May 30, 2010
Michael Allen
Writers: Pascal Francaix, and Silvana Zincolo.
The distribution company MTI Home Video moved the period piece The Shadow Within to DVD May 25th in North America. This film is based on the novel “Les Meres Noires” by Pascal Francaix and takes a supernatural look at two identical brothers: one who dies at birth and another who lives with the remnants of his brother's spirit within himself. This film is sparse on scares or intensity until the finale where one mother's abusive behaviour is returned in a violent matter. Not a film from the usual Hollywood mold, The Shadow Within offers a slow burning story with lots of mystery, interesting costumes and an excellent performance from Kate Winslet's little sister, Beth Winslet (Nicked), and the young protege Laurence Belcher.
The writing begins with the death of Jacques Dumont in childbirth and moves into a small Italian village where mother, Marie Dumont (Hayley J. Williams) copes with the loss through anger. The second brother, Maurice is humiliated with beatings from Marie, while channeling his brother's spirit during stressful times. The local women of the village who have also lost children early seek solace through Maurice's supernatural connection, but find an early grave instead. Cue the showdown between mother and both sons.
This is Italian director Silvana Zancolo's fourth film and already he has won an award for this production at the Salerno International Film Festival (Festival Trophy). The reason for the positive reception is in the believable set design that shows a World War II era with dark costume designs that while somber draw the viewer in to the period. English accents distract from a 1940s Italy; yet, the large open houses and small city feel will bring one back into the film.
The musical direction from composer Paulo Marzocchi brings to life what could be dull moments with chilling compositions and the slow, early pacing of the film is triumphed by the film's performances. The Shadow Within seems like a play with the focus on one primary set, Marie Dumont's house, and sparse intensity in the first half of the film is building the suspense for Jacques return from the afterlife. The horror DVD review site Movie Room Reviews says of the eerie score which frames the film "we realize just how much the eerie music...adds to this film, as is often the case with supernatural thrillers" (MovieRoom). As well, Beth Winslet, who is the spitting image of her sister plays a caring protagonist and Belcher's characterization is simply natural and brilliant.
The only elements that detract from a viewing of The Shadow Within are the slow build in the film and the lack of interesting action early. This film requires patience. As well, European direction, as a generalization, is more character driven with a focus on story and told in a laid back fashion, which is different from the many Hollywood features that will use action and conflict to drive viewers to theatres. This is not your typical thriller and nor should it be, as The Shadow Within shows what imagination and excellent writing can drive a film to a climactic, entertaining conclusion. Movie Room sums up the film in much the same manner "an excellent film with surprising parts" (MovieRoom).
Photograpny/composition/camera techniques: 6 (the visual sphere is kept simple probably due to budget).
Director/control of scenes: 6 (primarily shot within one set, few outdoor shots).
Symbolism/types/meanings: 6.75 (one of the few films that actually uses any - bravo).
Overall: 6.25 out of 10 (break up some of the earlier scenes with a few surprises or attempts at thrills and chills)
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The Shadow Within at MTI Home Video:
The Shadow Within at the Film's Distributors
A second review of the film"
A The Shadow Within Reviewed at Movie Room Reviews
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Posted in: 2010,drama,italian,movie review,mystery,release date,suspense,thriller
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