Scary film that utilizes wonderful techniques

Rating: Null/10 (31 October 2002)

I had high expectations for this movie and they were fulfilled. The trailer itself represented what the film would be: a montage of dark, creepy, dreadful events filmed and portrayed in a dark, creepy, dreadful way. The fact that a videotape kills people a week after they watch it is not what makes this film scary; if that were so then the ridiculous Feardotcom would have also been scary. The Ring is scary because of the way it is filmed and presented. As others have said, there is a feeling of dread constantly present and as the plot unravels, the dread takes over you until finally when Samara emerges with climactic terror you realize exactly why Verbinski wanted you to feel so much dread.
I saw this movie the first time in a packed theater and the second time in a less-than-half-full crowded, and obviously the first time my experience was enhanced. The second time allowed me to go back and review things I didn't notice the first time, such as the reason victims scribble out faces of people in pictures with a black pen is to represent Samara and her black hair covering her face after being in the well; and the reason the horse on the boat went crazy is because it was nearing Moesko Island, where all horses were put on a spell by Samara to drown themselves. I noticed other little things that made the movie seem that much better. Naomi Watts's superb acting, as well as good supporting acting by Martin Henderson, is extremely successful. Cast is important; someone like, say Keanu Reeves, for the role of Noah would have been disastrous. Kudos also to Rick Baker for creating a horrifying appearance for Samara's victims.
While I've yet to see Ringu (I have to find a place where I can order it) and therefore cannot compare the two, I admit that The Ring is a fantastic film and contains everything I look for in a true horror film. The lack of blood and guts and special effects and men running around with ghost masks and steak knives, and the ability for Verbinski to scare audiences with just plot, acting, camerawork, lighting, editing, and direction is what makes this one of my favorite horror films. Soon I will see Nakata's version and will be able to truly appreciate it all. But for now, I rate The Ring ten out of ten.