Literally visceral impact from a simple, clever idea

Rating: 8/10 (1 August 1999)

My response to this film was influenced most by my reaction to the relentless jumpiness of the hand-held cameras. I must have a low tolerance for this kind of thing (I've had the same reaction trying to playing computer video games), but by the middle of TBWP I thought I'd have to leave the theater, I was feeling so nauseated. I tried to exercise some control by looking away from the screen but my eyes were drawn back there because I wanted to see what was going on! I thought that I might see something that the characters didn't. Considering that I knew the premise beforehand, I was astounded at how much of a rise the movie got out of me, and I must admit that I bought the whole thing. Even their continuing to film after they were scared seemed acceptable as an attempt on the characters' part to maintain some kind of distance and control. Bravos all around.