psychological ride into what can only be explained as a nightmare.

Rating: 8/10 (23 August 2006)

Silent hill was an all round original viewing experience. By no means was this an excellent film but what it was, was an excellent adaptation of silent hill. I am only partially familiar with the game, however I did manage to notice a number of familiarities like the eerie score, the creatures and not to mention the location.
Right from the start of the film you are able to notice that this is going to be more than the average horror/video game adaptation, in fact it is in a completely different league from the lights of Resident Evil or Alone in the dark (Just to mention could have been equally as good if written and directed with more care). It becomes present that this is an emotional and psychological ride into what can only be explained as a nightmare.
Rose Da Silva's (played by Radha Mitchell) first contact with Silent Hill is when she notices the sign. Which has to be mentioned is a rather powerful moment, the mist is excellent and what at first to the unaware viewer seems like snow is in fact ashes. As she makes her way down the winding rode in the heavy mist a town becomes present. Not mentioning to much information but Silent hill has 2 phases, the night and the day. When she first enters the town it is about to turn in to night. Sirens are activated creating a very claustrophobic and wiry atmosphere as darkness approaches. Of cause Rose is oblivious of what is about to happen.
What is noticeable in the film which is very different from all other films is the small details. In the first darkness phase in the film when rose is wondering through a very dark corridor, she lights her lighter which creates light but not enough to stop her from stumbling over a bin. In the majority of films the light would have lit up the entire corridor. As mentioned this is only a small detail but it is exactly things like this what create an atmosphere.
The acting isn't bad but could be a lot better. Having said this Cybil Bennett's (played by Laurie Holden) performance deserves mentioning. Although many people might think she was just a little stiff, I believe she made her research. The way she moved and spoke is as if she was the game character.
Visually the film hasn't a uninteresting moment, each set crafted with distinction and also the way the film has been shot is unbelievable. The use of CGI is obviously there but not to much or an easier way of explaining it, is it has been balanced much better with real sets. The lighting is worth mentioning, for example the torch again doesn't light a whole room but only a straight line.
Overall There are some genuinely disturbing moments in this film. After receiving some mediocre reviews in general it has to be mentioned that this is probably because this is not intended for a very general mainstream audience. However it will be a memorable experience to those of us who enjoyed the game, fans of Christophe Gans and everyone who enjoys experimental, creative and psychological film making. Be wormed The film does contain some unpleasant moments, which at times can be bloody. 8 out of 10