thought provoking

Rating: 8/10 (11 February 2005)

There are many who praise and many who abhor this movie. My take is well above neutral considering some logical flaws. Like other MNS directed movies, he weaves in suspense, visual experience and most notably intellectual conjecture. I would agree that he appears very Hitchcock influenced. I don't typically look at the DVD extras so this may be a confessed trait, but the techniques of cinematography, suspense and of course the perfunctory cameo smell vividly of sir Alfred. I would wager that MNS is in development and the shortcomings can be accepted as he moves toward the Hitchcock level. Imagine the early years of Hitchcock when you can see the creative brilliance but are bothered by the technical flaws. Know that he learned over his career and it is likely that MNS will as well. If we micro-analyze these developing films and lose the realization that we may be witnessing a new master filmmaker, we are losing the big picture. Films that excel will test our minds and emotions and will inundate us with a masterful blend of excitement, suspense, thought, visual intensity and emotion. I think MNS is well on his way to accomplishing this. With so many over-hyped, over budgeted crappy films to name, it's refreshing to find one that hits hard on all meaningful fronts and for the most part, succeeds. TO all who hate this film, consider that you are taking a narrow view and that a tastier palette of future offerings is very likely. I give this film an 8.0 and would go higher if a bit more tuning up had been done. THe story is very intriguing, the acting very good, the imagery is excellent. There are flaws in continuity, logic and credibility but they can be accepted in the larger view of the message of the piece.