No Film For Faint Hearted Men

Rating: 9/10 (19 February 2011)

This film is terrifying, quite possibly one of the most terrifying films I have ever seen. Now don't read that first sentence and stop reading, the film is terrifying yes, but also terrifyingly brilliant. I would go as far to argue that it is the best psychological thriller I have ever sat through, it just had all the right ingredients and equally was missing all the crucial bits.
Sometimes its important to praise something for what its missing, not just what its got in abundance. A good psychological thriller is meant to leave the audience asking questions, to allow them to draw their own conclusions on aspects of the plot which are frankly, not crucial. So yes this film did have plot holes, however I feel every one of them was deliberate. Mainly because it encourages you to ask questions, challenge theories and ultimately be psychologically tested.
Additionally, this film lacks a score, with virtually no music whatsoever: adding to the terror of this film. It creates an atmosphere which doesn't just stay on the screen, but oozes into your front room and grips you around the throat. The camera work, the pace, and most of all the assailant.
Bardem's character is clearly what makes this movie. The aura surrounding this psychopathic murder is so intense that you feel yourself tensing up every time he comes into view, yet you are so intensely fixated by his ruthless, emotionless manor so that you don't turn away. Even from the very first shot of this masterpiece creation, you are immediately made to feel uncomfortable. The shocking realism of this cinematic creation is blood-curdling. Even if the rest of this film was terrible, I would probably praise it just as much for the creation of such a villain.
Luckily, its not. Brolin and Jones clearly are due some praise, both delivering solid performances. All three performances offer contrasts in pace, technique and screenplay skill, culminating in a memorable masterpiece worthy of praise for a long while yet.
Basically just watch this, you will not know just how terrifyingly brilliant this film is until you feel your mind racing afterwards.
92/100