Movie Review: Silent House
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[/media-credit]Question: Did anyone read my review of Fright Night? Well, I FINALLY go see another horror film in the theatre, my first since the vampire remake, and you remember what happened to me at that showing, right? Anyway, I am currently pushing myself out of my comfort zone as a reviewer so I decide to see Silent House. And IT happened again. I was the ONLY one in the entire movie theatre. Seriously, what are the odds!?
To be honest there was one main reason why I chose to see a horror film after all this time: Elizabeth Olsen. I saw her performance over the summer in Martha Macy May Marlene, and when I saw the trailer for this film I thought it would be worth a viewing.
Another reason I broke down and saw a horror in the theatre, I read this was a remake of a film from Uruguay but there was one very interesting point about both films. They were one long continuous shot. I mean the entire film, 85 minutes, is shown in one camera shot with no interruptions. I am pretty sure I have never seen this type of filmmaking before for an entire movie. Perhaps for a video or long scene but never for a film. I did not see the Uruguan Spanish-language version (The Silent House/ La Casa Muda 2010).
Another interesting point: this story is allegedly based on real happenings from the 1940′s. There is no proof for its validation apparently.
Basically there isn’t much to tell when it comes to summarizing what happens in Silent House, and I really want to keep the story a mystery, of course. However, I will say I was pretty scared while watching most of the film, and being alone in the theatre while a huge and loud thunderstorm took place outside made it all the more intense. In fact, I thought the thunderstorm was happening in the movie at first. Why did I think that? There is a part in the film when she goes into the old, boarded-up and dilapidated house, locks the door and is in there for a long time without any electricity. That is exactly when the storm began. Only when there was a scene outside the house did I realize the thunderstorm was real. Again, what are the odds!?
Visually Silent House was very realistic. By the way the camera was held, and not still might I add, made you feel like you right there. Nearly the entire film the camera followed Sarah (Elizabeth Olsen’s character) and her experience of what happens, with a lot of close-ups. At times it was disconcerting but it helped heighten the intense emotions she was experiencing (and raised my blood pressure). However if you have motion-sickness issues you might feel a little queasy at points especially during the times when she is running and the camera’s viewpoint is extremely wobbly.
After watching the entire film and figuring out what really happens brought me through an array of emotions. First scared, then terrified, then a little nauseated, then full-on angered, and finally relieved with a “hell yeah!” sigh at the very end. No, I will not explain why but you will understand once you view the film.
Elizabeth Olsen was great in Silent House. Her acting ability looks effortless. She is just authentic. To stay in character, and one who had to portray a myriad of intense and unnerving emotions that never made the audience think she was acting, is a testament to how talented this young woman is. However, the others in the film weren’t as convincing, in my opinion, and threw the film off a little bit.
My favorite part: Elizabeth Olsen.
My least favorite part: A revelation towards the end.
Directed by Chris Kentis & Laura Lau, Elle Driver, 2011.
Starring: Elizabeth Olsen, Adam Trese, Eric Sheffer Stevens and Julia Taylor Ross.
Genre: Drama, Horror, Thriller.
Length: 85 minutes
Rating: R
Review: 6 out of 10
Movie Review: Silent House,
Movie reviews that won’t spoil the story with the critique. Movies are my passion and I want to share my opinion on the movies I see to give you more insight on what to see next.
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Tags: alone in the movie theatre, based on real events, board-up house, continuous shot, drama, horror, La Casa Muda Elizabeth Olsen, Martha Marcy May Marlene, movie review, no electricity, remake, Silent House, The Silent House, thriller, thunderstorm, Tired of Previews, Uruguay
Katy,
Again you have demonstrated how a real pro watches a movie! I have often come away from movies feeling quite affected, but I could not clearly articulate why.
As I read your descriptions of the intermingling of the actress and the filming technique it dawned on me this is what raises movies to the level of art. It is not simple; it is complex and artfully made to look simple.
Thank you again for another fascinating and insightful review. I need to get as grant or something so I can go to the movies you review.
Larry
Thank you so much, Larry. Yes, I agree, movies are an art form and a very difficult one. It’s hard for me to bash any film because I understand it’s a complex art form.
Might I suggest getting Netflix (no, I don’t get paid to say this..haha) but I watch a lot of my movies on there and many through the instant play. Nominal monthly fee to watch unlimited movies…okay, enough endorsing…off to write another review.
P.S. Did you ever get a chance to see The Grey?
I actually think I want to see this one, Katy, but probably when it is streamed or on Blue Ray. That way I can still feel safe in my house, even if I am half under the blankets. You set the scene beautifully, and your reviews are something I wait for. One caveat for me: I will only see this on a night when there are no thunderstorms!
Cher, keep those blankets close. This one had me pretty scared for a good portion of it…and yeah, the thunderstorm didn’t help AT ALL! Seriously, I can’t believe there was one during a horror film for me…someone likes playing tricks on me (a.k.a -- the chicken).
And thank you for the kind words about my reviews. Means a lot to me
I watched the orginal foreign version of this and the subtitles were missing but the version I saw barely had any dialogue and I could work out what was going on -- until the end of course where an explanaion took place (I think) between the characters and I had to make up in my head what was going on (still not sure if my explanation is right). I didn’t realise there had been a remake of this but it was pretty scary compared to a lot of the horrors out there. Might watch the US version to get the ending and see if I was right.
From what I gather the foreign film received better reviews than the American one. As I said, I didn’t see the original and after seeing one I am pretty sure I won’t see the other. Unless, I might do a comparison…hmmm…that’s a thought.
But seeing Elizabeth Olsen in Silent House is worth a viewing -- she was really fantastic, and I see a BRIGHT future for her in films.
I don’t think I’ve seen a movie shot continously like that earlier. I have to say, it’s got me intrigued. You’ve also got me curious about what happens. Like Cher, though, I’ll probably wait until it comes out on video. I don’t want to be alone in a movie theater. Scary!!
Yeah, I don’t want to be alone in the theatre while watching a horror either -- but it seems to happen to me. I can never seem to be alone while catching a sad story and I bawl through the whole film surrounded by people.
Silent House was fascinating to watch but you do forget it’s a continuous shot which I thought was a good thing. It’s just real time. Something no other film has accomplished. Impressive.
There is absolutely NO WAY I can see this movie. I’ll never sleep again
I’m such a scaredy cat!
It will definitely scare you during but it’s not the type of scare that stays with you. If you see the movie, you’ll know what I mean.
Hello! Big chicken here telling ya this
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