Distubria Movie Review

Rating: 9/10 (2 December 2008)

Disturbia (2007)
How would you feel if you were almost positive that a wanted serial killer was living across the street in what you thought was your quiet and peaceful neighborhood? Unfortunately, for the protagonist, Kale Brecht (Shia LeBeouf) in the thrilling movie Disturbia (2007), these thoughts turn out to be the real thing. Why would the 17 year old teen even begin to even suspect such a thing? After losing his father in a tragic car accident, Kale's anger from such a loss seemed to cause him to lose control and punch his Spanish teacher in the face, therefore, sentencing him to house arrest. Because of this, Kale finds himself that the only way to keep himself occupied during the day (since being restricted from the TV and video games), is to spy on the neighbors around him through his binoculars. It is because of this, does Kale begin to question the safety of his own self and integrity of others around him. The viewer is able to get the sense of how the protagonist gradually develops along with the other main characters. We get a sense of Kale's background in the beginning of the movie when he was in the accident as well as how and why he was sentenced to house arrest. The other main character named Ashley Carlson (Sarah Roemer), who is introduced later on, is developed through the protagonist's interest in spying on her through the window of his own house. With this development of character, a conflict is soon arises. Even though the basis of this movie is suspense, there are many cases of irony also, such as when Kale tries breaking into the suspected killer, Mr. Turner's (David Morse), house with a wireless webcam. Although the effects for the movie are really good, this would be highly unlikely in a real life situation since the film tricks the viewer of sight and sound by combining technology, and ingenuity. A second ironic instance that occurs more towards the end of the movie is when Kale proves to the cops and to this own mother that Mr. Turner really was an actual criminal, when, in the beginning, no one was a believer. What makes this movie special are the unique effects on set and each character's special way of acting. The two most significant examples that play an important role are props and the variety of sets for the movie. The different sets are vital for any type of movie because it helps develop the different background areas in each scene. In Disturbia, the main props that are used throughout are Kale's binoculars, cell phones, and web cameras. Windows are also essential due to the fact that characters use them to look in and out at each other. Without these windows, the movie couldn't even be made. Also, without Kale's binoculars spying out the windows, he wouldn't have noticed the suspicious activity happening in his neighborhood. As for hair and makeup, it should be obvious to the viewer that the movie takes place in the twenty-first century. The setting is in your basic, normal neighborhood and the style clothes are like any average teenager of today. It's significant because it helps us realize that this movie is made to seem like it is happening in our time and helps us relate to it better.
Although lighting might not be that noticeable or that important in a film, it is crucial in Disturbia. The uniqueness in the way the director (D.J. Caruso) uses the light to create a certain mood is incredible. For example, during the scenes where Kale is spying on Mr. Turner's suspicious activity, the lighting is very dim, and at times, we are unable to clearly see the protagonist himself. The way the camera moves and the numerous different angles are really beneficial factors that help give you an idea that Disturbia is more than just one genre, but is instead, a thriller, drama, and mystery combined.
Disturbia is a brilliant movie for anyone who likes the feeling of suspense and anticipation. Even though the general rating from IMDb is 7.1 out of 10 stars, I would rate it a 9 out of 10. Disturbia is not only a film that leaves you on the edge of your seat, but it is a thriller that draws you into big screen itself. The stimulating action scenes, fast camera work, and the admirable roles each actor and actress play give this movie an extra special something that captivates everyone in the audience.