Sunday, October 26, 2014
Michael Allen
Cast: Winny Clarke, Liv Collins and Alys Crocker.
The Door is an indie horror feature shot in Vancouver, British Columbia. The film, from director Patrick McBrearty (Psycho Ward), brings a supernatural element to the screen as several friends struggle to stay alive. The Door is a very slowly paced film, due to the film's lack of conflict. A phantom stalks an old meat processing plant, but it never directly interacts with the characters; it is more satisfied stalking this group, rather than terrorizing them. As well, some of the actors look too stiff. And, The Door is a an underwhelming film outing.
The story begins with Owen (Sam Kantor). He is recently unemployed and searching for work. The solution to his problems comes from a man on the street. This man offers Owen $500 a night to, simply, watch a door. Owen takes him up on the offer and his first night on the job goes relatively well, until his friends arrive. Then, six characters move behind a mysterious door. There is nothing particularly interesting behind the door, outside of a misdirection, or two. More action was required to make The Door worth a watch.
The Door is too slowly paced. The use of characterizations and dialogue are both great. However, action, interaction and conflict are also great. These latter three elements are hardly offered in the film. The action elements consist of a few very short chase sequences, or a stabbing, which comes later in the picture. More action sequences were required, earlier in the film. Interaction occurs almost exclusively between the friends. A supernatural element is satisfied to stalk a character or two, in the background. It never really appears directly. More interaction between the protagonist and the film's central villain was needed. The conflict comes from a bit of deception. The spirit, in the film, is able to make characters appear as others. But, it is not capable of creating any true terror. The Door falls flat in the story department.
The film required more direct conflict between the shadow and the other characters. If this malevolent supernatural element is able to deceive other characters, then why does it not turn character against character? Owen, Matt (Matt O'Connor), Olivia (Liv Collins), Jess and Abby simply wander from room to room, in search of their drunk friend Mia. A late minor villain is influenced by the spirit. But, this influence comes too late, at the 100 minute mark. Along the way, this ghost creates a mirror image or two and that is about it. A couple more tumbles down the stairs were required in this horror outing. As it is, the supernatural and physical elements do not collide, effectively nor consistently.
The acting in this title is also hit and miss. The protagonist, played by Sam Kantor, is a believable character. He emotes concern and indecision very well. Other, minor characters are less believable. Acting is not exclusively delivered through lines, but also through the body. Several characters just recite their lines, while their bodies remain stiff, or unemotive. Several actors do not even look terrified. So, how is the viewer supposed to feel? Many viewers might feel as bored as some of the actors appear. Several scenes needed a second run through, with more terror, excitement or anything emoted.
The Door is an indie horror film that could be knocked on, but not entered. Any early mystery dissolves fairly quickly, once characters enter the film's central setting. Conflict between the supernatural and physical is limited and much of the film consists of characters walking around a set, in search of an annoying character. A few dialogue sequences are interesting. But, the film does not have enough explosive action, to create any real interest. The Door has a few good ideas, none of which are developed fully, nor frighteningly.
Overall: 6.25 (action comes in the final few scenes, early scenes are interesting but the mystery is lost too quickly, good lighting).
A movie clip for the film can be found here:
The Door Film Clip on 28DLA
Subscribe to 28 Days Later: An Analysis Email Subscription
Posted in: 2014,ghost,ghost story,independent,indie,movie review,review,story,supernatural,supernatural movie review
0 comments:
Post a Comment