Fear is simple. It's a stripped to basics, primal concept. Therefore, when it comes to depicting fear in horror movies, not a great deal of detail, complication or convolution is required. Just keep it simple. Why is it then with a premise so streamlined and simple as it is in British horror movie, The Torment, that it rarely makes any sense at all?
Anna and Alex are a happily co-habiting couple. Late one night, Alex's best mate David comes a calling, requesting lodging as he's just split up with his girlfriend. David starts to act strangely, as we become aware that something spooky might have followed him to his temporary accommodation. As David becomes more and more unhinged by the entities he's convinced are laying siege to the flat, he drags Alex and their upstairs neighbour Kate into his stressed state of mind.
While that might look fine on paper, it's terribly handled. While we can see David's visions of decomposing ghosts and abstract monsters, his flatmates can't. The degree to which Alex and Anna put up with David's antics is unbelievable, slashing the credibility of this supernatural thriller completely. Sleepwalking might be fine but allowing a ranting, dribbling, kitchen knife wielding maniac to occupy your flat for a second night without kicking the nutter out or seeking professional assistance from the men in white coats defies belief.
Visually is confined to the flat interior, and is handled reasonably well. But with a story that doesn't convince, interest starts to wane very quickly, making the setting gratingly familiar. Oh, and when your sanest character Anna, has an irritatingly squeaky voice, you'll soon twig that the whole enterprise is a useless as a relaxation lamp designed by Michael Bay.
1 comment:
There was the makings of a pretty good film in this. I liked the ideas and the low budget, small scale approach. Problem is that apart from a few good moments (weird and freaky monsters glimpsed fleetingly out of the corner of the camera etc.) this doesn't work as it just comes across as a total mess. What should have been a tighter, more focussed excercise in close quarters supernatural terror or psychological paranoia becomes a confusing, annoying, rambling mess. See PARANORMAL ACTIVITY for how to do something similar and make it vastly more effective. Points for effort though.
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