 |
I hate found footage films. I can
understand why movie studios and consumers like them though, in theory they
immerse you into the film in a way that otherwise couldn't be done. They
normally run cheaper to make and sadly people expect less from them in terms of
CGI, story and overall effort. In contrast, I have a certain level of
understanding with independent films. They are created on a lower budget,
typically have no star power and are normally written, directed, staring
and produced by one person. This is called a passion project and can easily
lead to the creation of a terrible movie. When you combine independent and
found footage genres it’s rare that what results is any good. I don’t think
before today I had ever seen a good independent found footage film.
|
 |
| We can blame this piece of trash for the whole crap sub-genere. |
The movie opens with Aaron (Patrick
Brice) and his video camera. He is driving into the mountains to meet a client
to do some video recording for him. The Craigslist ad said it would pay $1000
for 8 hours of work, only those who can use discretion should apply. When he
arrives we meet Josef (Mark Duplass), his client and all around energetic and
slightly off kilter guy. We quickly learn that Josef has a brain tumor the size
of a baseball and he is projected to die in the next 2-3 months. He has a wife
of 6 years and unborn child whom he will not meet before he dies. Josef
explains this is why he has hired Aaron, to do a video recording for his son,
Buddy. The story progresses and as it does we are treated to various scenes of
Josef being creepy and Aaron being a little weirded out. There is some comedy
relief, strange occurrences, long takes of blank expressions and lots of double
talk. Josef seems weird but there’s never enough evidence to set off warning
bells. It’s only just enough to get you to say “I think I would be leaving if I
were him”. Still there is always a reason to stay and keep recording. In this aspect
it does more than most in the found footage genre, it explains in a real and
smart way why he still records everything.
 |
| Look at how my friends are dying, I better get this all on film. |
It's too bad that Creep is just
another drop in a pool of the already over saturated found footage market
because it is a really well done movie. It uses its meager budget and the found
footage style to its advantage. It shows you more than you need to see to
understand the story but just enough to get a feel for the characters. The
movie takes a few twists and turns, but never gets into serious scare territory,
this is more of a creepy, unsettling style of film. It made me shift in my seat
more than once because I was physically uncomfortable for Aaron. The intent of
the film is never to shock or even make us jump in our seats its goal is to
make us feel like something is just always slightly askew. It accomplish this
in spades, long lingering shots, no background music and a set that is
unsettling in itself. To add to the film’s sense of isolation, there are only 2
people in the whole movie. There are two more that we hear on the phone, but
never see. This makes the movie feel small and intimate, like these are the
only two characters in the world.
 |
| Also, PeachFuzz is heavily featured throughout. |
If you like more of a traditional Hitchcockian
style of horror, this movie is for you. It’s slow, but I never looked at my
watch. It feels improvised, yet methodical. Everything gets paid off by the end
of the film. In a time when horror films are more about what you see and less
about the feelings you feel, this is a breath of fresh air. I highly recommend
this movie to horror fans and avid movie goers.
I give it 9 out of 10 peachfuzz masks.
