An effective horror film

Rating: Null/10 (1 November 2000)

I originally saw this film on opening night in 1997 and it scared the hell out of me. I went with several friends and we all had the same reaction, some variation of "that movie was really messed up" Since then, I've had an opportunity to study the film and I get a little mad at people who totally dismiss this film as a "rip-off." These are the same people who think that Tarantino is an original auteur and Akiva Goldsman is a talented writer. The only difference here between Anderson and Tarantino's rip-offs is Tarantino chooses lesser-known films to steal (Ever seen City on Fire?)
The acting is well done and effectively directed, except for Sam Neill's character whose motivations were not explored enough. Lawrence Fishburne's line, after finding out what happened to the ships previous crew, is perhaps the most intelligent line ever said in a horror film... "We're Leaving!" The effects are excellent and the art direction is terrific. The last person to comment on the film said that it was depressing and bleak, but they fail to see that it was supposed to be like that to reflect the dark nature of what happened there and the tortured nature of Sam Neill's character. The opening shot of the Event Horizon near Neptune, looking like a cross is a fantastic shot and wonderful example of this.
Asides from the blatant ripoffs which I commented on before, this film is a very effective and well-done horror film, one that you need to see without any prior grudges against it from what you've heard. Turn the lights down, turn the sound up, and enjoy. It wants to be a good horror movie and nothing more, and it succeeds wonderfully.