I wouldn't want to watch it again

Rating: 7/10 (29 November 2018)

I cannot say I was blown away by the film but it is nothing like as bad as some suggest. I can see why it had such success because the premise is original and the drama so well set up. The constant single picture of the nighttime bedroom begins to pall but the naturalistic banter between the two and the gradual unfolding of the back story and the beginnings of 'activity' are well done. Most of the film is as if through the couple's camera whether resting on its tripod, lying on the side of the bed or jerkily hand held. Things do happen and at least a couple of moments are genuinely scary. Use of sound, I understand Spielberg tinkered with the print for the theatrical release, is effective and combined with sudden movements are all it really takes for this to work. I wouldn't want to watch it again or even one of the sequels but am glad I've seen this and would like to think others might see it and decide to gives themselves the chance to make a movie - if not the millions this went on to make.