THE QUIET ONES – ONLY LOVERS LEFT ALIVE – OCULUS – UNDER THE SKIN

THE QUIET ONES

I thought THE QUIET ONES was an effective supernatural movie that recalls modern horror films like THE CONJURING (2013) and HOUSE OF THE DEVIL (2009) to much earlier classics such as THE LEGEND OF HELL HOUSE (1973) and THE ENTITY (1982). Some of the visual imagery was also reminiscent of EXORCIST II: THE HERETIC (1977), namely the electronic hypnotherapy contraption that Linda Blair wore on her head in that film, plus a particular bathroom incident seemed to be a homage to a scene in THE LEGACY (1978). Furthermore, the excellent British cast, locales and the recreated early 70’s period gave the movie that beloved Hammer Horror vibe, that I could see Peter Cushing or Christopher Lee in their prime, playing the psychoanalyst role that Jared Harris (AMC’s MAD MEN; SHERLOCK HOLMES: A GAME OF SHADOWS) embodies this time around. Taking cues from THE HAUNTING (1963), sound plays a major role in creating tension and jump scares throughout, making the film come across as the exact opposite of quiet. I found THE QUIET ONES is worth seeing on the big screen and to be the new, rebirthed Hammer Films‘ best release to date.

ONLY LOVERS LEFT ALIVE

I loved ONLY LOVERS LEFT ALIVE. Storywise, on the surface, it reminded me a little bit of Xan (Alexandria) Cassevettes‘ KISS OF THE DAMNED (2012), in regards to a certain character (those of you whom have seen that film will recognize who & what I mean). That said, this is very MUCH a Jim Jarmusch film with all of his quirky & amusing sensibilities, plus some cool poetic cinematography (vinyl record lovers will certainly enjoy this aspect)! To me, the film seems to comment on the lack of appreciation from the masses for real artists, visionaries and craftsmanship (especially of vintage guitars) that only a select few can truly understand, like our long-living lovers in the film. There are also sly witty references to well known historical figures, and the passion for music truly had me hooked. I MUST find the soundtrack & score immediately, especially for this song “Trapped By This Thing Called Love” by DENISE LASALLE: http://youtu.be/s7qvvJWkUXk – a GREAT moment in the film.

 

OCULUS

OCULUS was good. Unsettling creepiness – to a lesser degree it’s THE SHINING meets THE CONJURING. I have to give the filmmakers kudos for the ending. Also just realized because of National Siblings Day, that possibly was one of the reasons they released the movie the day after, given the two lead characters are brother & sister.

 

UNDER THE SKIN

Had my 2 and a quarter doses of Scarlett Johansson on the big screen lately via CAPTAIN AMERICA: THE WINTER SOLDIER, the LUCY trailer and now with UNDER THE SKIN directed by Jonathan Glazer (SEXY BEAST and BIRTH) – this unconventional sci-fi/horror/noir thriller plays a lot like John Sayles‘ BROTHER FROM ANOTHER PLANET (1984) meets Nicolas Winding Refn‘s VALHALLA RISING (2009) in character-study theme and slow pacing with minimal dialogue (and thankfully no story/plot exposition)! I enjoyed it. But UNDER THE SKIN definitely is not a film for your average mainstream movie goer. Those with eclectic/adventuresome cinema tastes should dig it.