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[REC]
Rated R for bloody horror violence and language
If there is one thing I always love about a good zombie or infection film, it's that initial stage in the film, the sort of "ground zero" moment when people begin to change, and that initial panic and confusion that arises. From the quick and brutal first 15 minutes of the Dawn of The Dead remake, and here, presented in the film [REC].
[REC] is a spanish film that follows a spanish television reporter named Angela and her cameraman Pablo, who are filming at a fire station for a television show. The fire station eventually gets a call regarding screams coming from a small Barcelona apartment complex. What appears to be a routine field call quickly evolves into something much worse when they soon find out everyone inside the building has been quarantined inside due to a possible viral outbreak.
[REC] is a relatively short, clocking in at a slim 75 minute running time. However, this certainly gives the film a very relentless pace. The situation around the characters is constantly evolving, keeping the heart pumping and the film interesting. While there is nothing wrong with a fast-pace film, it certainly comes with a price, giving way to a lack of character development or any development of complex plot devices. So don't expect [REC] to go much deeper then what's on screen in front of you. However, with the rapidly changing scenarios you may not much notice the relatively simplistic set up. However, it is a bit disappointing that with the film being such a quick thrill ride, the film doesn't go as deep into the fear, isolation, and paranoia that would come into being trapped in a small buildling with a handful of people who are possibly infected.
But what the film may lack in complexity, it certainly makes up for in thrills. The film brings you through the cinematic fourth wall using Pablo, Angela's "never seen" cameraman, giving the film a tight, claustrophobic feel. Many may recognize this "first-person" filming technique from the film Cloverfield. While that film was fairly well received, the biggest deterrent was it's somewhat erratic camera movement, making it hard to always figure out what was going on, and even causing motion sickness in some viewers, not to mention those that found the viewpoint to be a "gimmick". [REC] manages to sidestep these issues, keeping the camera moving realistically as if someone was recording, but still manages to keep shots tight and focused, even during the most hectic scenes. What could have been a large annoyance ends up being a strong and immersive tool, thanks to some fantastic camerawork. Even a video camera's night vision capabilities are used to great, and horrific, effect.
It helps that [REC] has a solid script and believable performances, keeping the film moving and progressing the story, while also sounding genuine to the situation. So, despite the fact that the characters are relatively faceless and don't do much to distinguish themselves, at least what they are saying keeps us into the film. The actions the characters themselves take also remain believable, staying far away from genre conventions such as someone hearing a noise and running off alone to investigate, or running off alone for some ludicrous reason. In fact, our cast of trapped inhabitants actually stay together for the most part, until things really start to spin out of control as we head towards the climax of the film. Staying away from genre cliches and "Horror 101" is something that I can always find praise for.
While you can certainly write off some of [REC]'s ideas, like using a "first-person" camera viewpoint, as being somewhat of a gimmick, it's hard to really frown upon something when it is utilized so well. [REC] manages to use this concept so well that i would wonder if the film would even be as good if it was filmed using conventional filming techniques. Even more so, despite it's short running time practically cuts all character and complex plot development out in favor of a "roller coaster ride" approach, it certainly keeps [REC] interesting and thrilling, provided you aren't looking for much substance.
With [REC]'s unrelenting, thrilling approach and strong, unique camerawork, it is certainly worth a watch to any fan of the horror genre. [REC] just goes to show that using technique that seems like a gimmick or a cheap thrill can be used to a strong effect when put in capable hands.
7.5/10
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Originally Posted by xxsic4slipknotxx
