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I realize that this is one of those pop-culture movies that everyone is going to go see, just because, and what I type is not likely to discourage anyone. However, I can say that if you absolutely have to see this movie, pay as little as you possiblly can to do so. Wait until it is off the new release shelf, in the bargain section, and rent something else, because chances are you're going to want to watch something else after about half an hour--maybe less. It amazes me that so many artsy fartsy types are running at the mouth to praise this thing. OK, it was an independant film made with next to zero budget. OK, the actors were working improv without a script. Neither of those make this a good movie, or even an interesting movie. And granted, I am biased in that documentary is my least favorite style of filming.
The premise is that three film students are trying to make a documentary and get lost in the woods. There after someone/thing starts playing psychwarfare with them. Well, I'm not a film student, but there are two things I know to do when making a movie: Look up, and focus the damn camera! I also know how to point the camera at my face without giving it a view of the inside of my nostrils. The astounding stupidity of these people makes the movie so much worse. "Duh, we don't need a map!" Anytime you're going camping off the main trails, the first thing you do is figure out exactly where you are going. Even if someone else is in charge, each individual should have a good idea of the geography.
Another film theory nuisance: Color or BlackandWhite. Choose!
I see little of interest or value to justify the paise this film is garnishing. I am not impressed. I am not scared. I am not enthused. I am not engrossed. In the end, I'm glad when the film is over, not because of a good ending, just because it is over.
Constructive Criticism...
Have a plot.
Have a script.
Give the characters some depth.
Give the characters a brain (preferablly one each, but at
least one amidst the three of them). Hmmm... if I find
myself at the same stream 5 times, maybe I should try
Following the stream instead of crossing it.
Write a coherent story.
I freely acknowledge that I am partly to blame for the negative experience: I am picky I have no sympathy for idiots, fools, or alchololic defectives. I am not scared by things making noises in the dark, I am annoyed. I expect movies to make sense, or at least follow their own internal logic. I hate shaking cameras: COPS! may make it seem more real to some people, but it gives me eyestrain.
Most of the stuff I saw at the amateur film festival this weekend is easily ten times better than this (in script, acting, characterization, plot, diction, language, and technique.
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