Hey, everyone. "Moriarty" here with some Rumblings From The Lab.
Man, I’m in the dark on these two. I just haven’t had the chance to see CABIN FEVER yet, but I have THE EYE on videotape and passed out the night I went to watch it, so all I remember is the first five minutes or so. That’s my fault, though, not the film’s, and I hope to change that soon...
"Cabin Fever" DIR: Eli Roth DP: Scott Kevan Starring: Jordan Ladd, Rider Strong
It comes as no surprise that David Lynch (the film's Executive Producer) chose to remain uncredited by this latest horror offering. It remains baffling exactly how Lynch chose to finance this film in the first place. It is not very interesting, nor scary. It simply...is. The story is easy enough to follow: a group of kids hide out in a cabin, where a flesh-eating virus breaks out that not only kills, but causes the kids to reveal their true feelings towards one another. After sitting through the film's 93 minutes, you're left with the feeling that the story would have been summed up very nicely in a 30-minute episode of "Night Gallery."
To the film's credit, Roth does bring in elements of humor which many horror films have been lacking as of late. Not unintentional laughs, mind you, but moments in the film that are actually funny. However, this also works against the films as many of the moments feel like recycled "Evil Dead" bits--with no hero. There are no "real" characters in the film to speak of. James DeBello does a respectable job, as does Jordan Ladd who is pretty but clueless. The film is essentially: "Who has the disease next?!" "My God, make it stop!" "I hate you!" In fact, the real star of the film is the virus itself which looks really a lot like the worst possible case of gangeriene ever, except its red, and bloody, and spreads over your entire body...
It's no surprise to me that they plan on releasing the "official" trailer to this film with "House of 1000 Corpses" in March. Looks like Lion's Gate has two schlock pictures lines up for everyone's "viewing pleasure" in 2003. In fact, isn't that guy with all the red stuff on his face Stucky?
And on the other end of the spectrum...
"Jian-Gui (The Eye)" DIR: Oxide Pang Chun/Danny Pang Starring: Lee Sin-je, Lawrence Chou
"Have you seen my homework?"
For those who have already viewed this masterpiece of modern horror, that line will forever resonate through their minds while walking through a dimly lit apartment staircase.
"Jian-Gui"'s premise involves the eye transplant of a woman who has been blind since age 5, Mun (played perfectly by Lee Sin-je.) After her transplant, Mun's eyes go through a period of.....adjustment. Specifically, they rarely focus. While adjusting to her newfound sight, Mun begins seeing spirits. When she looks in the mirror, she sees another woman staring back at her, a woman who is trying to make contact.
From its opening title sequence (which is among the most creative in the horror genre) to its (literally) explosive ending, "Jian-Gui" is a terrifying horror exercise that is sure to leave many viewers unnerved for years to come.
Directed and edited by the Pang Brothers and shot under the masterful eye of cinematographer Decha Srimantra, "Jian-Gui" introduces us to some of the most frightening ghosts in the history of cinema. They are not cute, like "The Sixth Sense." They are real, they are loud, and they are very scary. For those who have not seen the film, no moments of terror will be revealed in entirity, it would take away from the hammer-to-the-face scares the film provides. I can say, however, that there is the most frightening sequence involving an elevator that I have ever seen. Probably that ever has existed. You will look behind you in corridors for years to come. In addition, there is a tragic sequence involving a dying child that alternates between hopelessly sad and horrifying.
That is essentially the tone of the film: tragic and terrifying. Events occur at the film's conclusion which are very unnerving and may offend viewers—without giving too much away, viewers sensitive to the death of children should avoid this film, particuarly those sensitive to the deaths of toddlers and babies. You will sleep much better if you do.
Obviously, "Cabin Fever" and "Jian-Gui" are two films which cannot be compared. The cinematography of Srimantra far outshines Scott Kaven's shots of shadows and trees which lack any creativity. "Jian-Gui" also provides the audience with real performances. You will be moved by its message. "Cabin Fever" lacks even a coherent plot, let along anything of signifigance. "Jian-Gui" is a reminder what horror films are intended to do: frighten us. If you want to laugh, by all means see "Cabin Fever." If you have a choice, I would pick "The Eye." Although not yet in wide release, you cab purchase Region 0 copies from Ebay. It is well worth the money.
Cheers,
Starken
Thanks, man. Hope I get the chance to check out CABIN FEVER soon!
"Moriarty" out.
