The Haunting of the Innocent (2014) was Directed by Matt Hish, And there will be spoilers ahead, If you are wondering if you should watch this movie, I'd say, go ahead, then come back and read my take on why this movie may not be anyone's cup of tea..
Something is off kilter here. The story is complex, and it sometimes gets lost in the style of the telling. Truth is, the Style here is distinct. Deliberate and pensive, to some, Slow and Boring to others. On the plus side, all the technical aspects are up to par and then maybe a little more so, visually . The sound design is carefully figured into the mix, and plays a big part, in the early "Made you jump" scenes. A bit later in the movie, The volume increase giveaway, looses it's power, and we no longer start, at the "Boo" scenes. Not all the dialog is easily understood. Darn my ears, but I can not make out what whispering actors are saying.
This movie makes no sense on so many levels, but because of the unique pacing, more akin to a Terrence Malick movie I find it worth viewing. The camera lingers on shots long after the directer shouts "cut" Phantasmagorical photo collages strobe before you. You actually feel the mood of mystery at times, more so then understanding whats going on. They contribute absolutely nothing to the narrative. Kudos to the cinematographers who kept the shots tight the lighting appropriate, and the images consistent with the super natural theme.
The actors here try their best, but the multifaceted plot line becomes hopelessly twisted. Opening Credits place the start of the action just outside LA. The movie is about Rape. Brenda played by Jessica Morris is assaulted in the opening scenes, A random act of violation, her Husband; a successful but philandering Architect, played by Judd Nelson , wants to do, "The right thing" and take care of her after her ordeal, particularly for the sake of their young son, played by Dane Hills. In spite of the fact that she continuously is becoming more distant, from their marriage vows. He feels remorse about not having been there to protect her from her assailant. This is the guilt trip, she lays on him Sounds OK so far ? Throw in some hostile in-laws, some cryptic town folk, some ghosts from the past, and a smattering of Norse mythology. Add a pinch of nudity, sex, and Lesbian attraction. Shake it all up and this is what you get. Understanding is futile. Three out of five stars, for the Style.
Something is off kilter here. The story is complex, and it sometimes gets lost in the style of the telling. Truth is, the Style here is distinct. Deliberate and pensive, to some, Slow and Boring to others. On the plus side, all the technical aspects are up to par and then maybe a little more so, visually . The sound design is carefully figured into the mix, and plays a big part, in the early "Made you jump" scenes. A bit later in the movie, The volume increase giveaway, looses it's power, and we no longer start, at the "Boo" scenes. Not all the dialog is easily understood. Darn my ears, but I can not make out what whispering actors are saying.
This movie makes no sense on so many levels, but because of the unique pacing, more akin to a Terrence Malick movie I find it worth viewing. The camera lingers on shots long after the directer shouts "cut" Phantasmagorical photo collages strobe before you. You actually feel the mood of mystery at times, more so then understanding whats going on. They contribute absolutely nothing to the narrative. Kudos to the cinematographers who kept the shots tight the lighting appropriate, and the images consistent with the super natural theme.
The actors here try their best, but the multifaceted plot line becomes hopelessly twisted. Opening Credits place the start of the action just outside LA. The movie is about Rape. Brenda played by Jessica Morris is assaulted in the opening scenes, A random act of violation, her Husband; a successful but philandering Architect, played by Judd Nelson , wants to do, "The right thing" and take care of her after her ordeal, particularly for the sake of their young son, played by Dane Hills. In spite of the fact that she continuously is becoming more distant, from their marriage vows. He feels remorse about not having been there to protect her from her assailant. This is the guilt trip, she lays on him Sounds OK so far ? Throw in some hostile in-laws, some cryptic town folk, some ghosts from the past, and a smattering of Norse mythology. Add a pinch of nudity, sex, and Lesbian attraction. Shake it all up and this is what you get. Understanding is futile. Three out of five stars, for the Style.