Friday, July 17, 2009

"Deep Blue Sea" Moments: REC

Deep Blue Sea is a good movie that has become immortalized by three words: Samuel L. Jackson.

Yes, the middle one is not a word- deal with it. Seriously though, his famous death has added a new cliche to the catalog of cinema. I bring you the first of a possible series of what I call 'Deep Blue Sea Moments.'
[OREC]
This is the original Spanish version of the film that we in America call Quarantine. While a very literal title, it is also far less creative. An American film that is less creative than it's foreign counterpart- get out of here!
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The plot is basically the same: reporter follows firefighters on patrol and ends up in a building full of (shortly thereafter) zombies. In fairness to the movie, they establish the 'this is all being filmed in person' idea very well. People address the 'cameraman' and act like 'why am I being filmed right now?' Unfortunately, once the real horror begins, the people act like, well, horror-movie characters. This tied with a bizarre ending that I still don't quite get makes for an uneven picture.
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Our 'D.B.S. Moment' comes near the end. A few of the survivors have hidden upstairs along with one scientist. Unfortunately, that man was bitten and locks himself away. For a couple of minutes, they discuss how scared they are and how they cannot believe what is going on. One of the tenants suddenly remembers that there is another exit through the sewers. Of course, it is past all of the zombies, but it should be okay. He gives a full speech explaining where it is, how to get there and how simple it would be. Literally the second he finishes, the zombie scientist's hands burst through the oddly-thin door and choke the man to death.
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Didn't see that coming, huh?
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And this has been a Deep Blue Sea Moment of Cinema. Stay tuned for more, if I think of any...

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