Disturbia - a preview
April 3rd 2007 05:34
Disturbia is a modern retelling of Alfred Hitchcock's Rear Window (1954), which was also distributed by Paramount Pictures (but now owned by Universal Studios).
This is an enjoyable semi-thriller with a few chuckles and scary moments. I was hoping for a film that would scare the socks off me, catapult me into a different world, but unfortunately it didn't quite do that until close to the end and by then I'm afraid I'd lost much of my oomph. That said, I did have to close my eyes a couple of times -- a sign of a few effectively scary scenes for a scaredy cat like me.
Now that my introductory blurb is done, I’ll tell you more about the actual film than just my thoughts.
Disturbia is a thriller starring Shia LaBeouf as a depressed teen,Kale deeply affected by the death of his father in a horrific car crash. Kale becomes increasingly sullen, withdrawn, and troubled -- so much so that he finds himself under a court-ordered sentence of house arrest for punching his school teacher. While house-arrest for three months seems the cushy option instead of a twelve-month stint in a juvenile detention centre, it’s not quite the case. In fact, in some ways it's a more powerful option as he has limited freedom and therefore experiences being cut off from the rest of the world in his own home. I try not to use clichés (apart from the odd slip-up), but it reminded me of the old well-used one of ‘so close and yet so far’.
To help pass the time, Kale becomes a voyeur as his interests turn outside the windows of his suburban home towards those of his neighbours. He becomes increasingly innovative in making the most use of his limited freedom, for example, he works out the maximum extent he can wander outside of his house, he learns that he can get the mail if he crawls and stretches his body to an uncomfortable level. He notices the amount of activity in his surroundings, people’s patterns and habits and especially enjoys watching his sexy teenage neighbour, Ashely next door who does a lot of swimming in different coloured bikinis each day.
His mother, Julie, works night and day to support herself and her son, only to be met with indifference and lethargy, so he has minimal human contact apart from visits from his close friend Ronnie. Ronnie is a humorous character and extremely compliant when it comes to admiring Ashley through Kale’s well-used binoculars.
As the walls of his house begin to close in on Kale (sorry about that cliché), he begins to suspect that one of his neighbours is a serial killer when reports of mysterious abductions appear on the local news. He obsessively steps up his spying rituals, and begins to watch his neighbour's every move -- making note of every little nuance and detail. The suspected murderer is a suave, calculated man who seemingly makes no mistakes and has all suspicious elements covered. This leads to the question, are Kale's suspicions merely the product of cabin fever and an overactive imagination or is there really a killer across the road?
With little solid evidence, Kale is soon driven to desperate measures. He pulls in Ashley and his best friend, Ronnie to help him prove what he fears is true – and he has to do it all without leaving his house but with the use of much technology.
The build-up to the actual action took a while, about an hour, which I think is one of the reasons why the film didn’t peak as well as it could have. The basic premise of the film was enticing but as there was so much emphasis on the three main characters that it felt as though the thriller aspect was a little late. It also followed the usual thriller protocol with few twists and turns. I also felt as though I was in safe hands, that nothing too awful was going to happen (and sometimes that is a relief to me).
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Comment by katyzzz
Photography Tips
MS Paint Art
I loved rear window, Hitchcock was a master, a superb creator of suspense, such a simple theme but so well done.
katyzzz
Comment by yoda76
The Tube Blog
Same as in Rear Window?
Remaking old classics, especially something like Rear Window (or at least venturing close) is always risky. As Katyzzz said, Hitchcock was a master, and I think Rear Window was possibly his masterpiece.
Although Spielberg's name attached would entice me into the cinema - oh-oh... I think I can hear JohnDoe coming...
;o)
Tracy, habe you thought about putting the trailers into your posts? It's so hard sometimes to get a feel for films when you can't see them.
Having said that, it's sometimes hard to get a feeling for them from trailers
Comment by Tracy
Movies and Life
Yes, Rear Window was a superb film wasn't it? So well done...it would be a hard film to emulate and this one didn't get near to that level.
Byee
Comment by Tracy
Movies and Life
This film didn't peak as well as Rear Window, it almost had the feel of a teenage film, rather than a well-held suspenseful film...there's definitely an art to it (I'm no producer but from a viewer's POV), and this one didn't make it. It felt like it was all crammed into the last half an hour and was trying a bit too hard instead of letting it unfold gently....hope that makes sense, I don't think my morning coffee has kicked in yet....
Yes, I think trying to recreate a classic that was done so well is hard to do. Maybe Spielberg could've done it better, who knows?
I've wondered the same about putting trailers in my posts....thanks for the idea.....
Byee
Comment by yoda76
The Tube Blog
I'm pretty sure he was the Producer on Disturbia - you'd think something would rub off...
Suspense is difficult. Some of the scariest films are where nothing happens, but the tension is riveting. Get that wrong, and just plain nothing happens!
As an editor, I know that suspense is an especially difficult thing to do. I had a crack with a little short film we did about a year ago. It made the Tropfest shortlist, but I look at it now, and I don't think it works very well in parts. What the director and I thought was drawing out the tension at the time, now to me looks like plain lazy editing and shots held too long.
It's a very VERY fine line!
I'll have a squiz at this film - suspense, thrillers, and horror always intrigue me.
But talking about getting it completely wrong - if anyone's seen "The Descent"... watched it a coujple of nights ago... 2 hours I ain't getting back... sheesh...
Comment by Cibbuano
Hunt Famous
Orble Post of the Day
Fat Cult
Techbreak
I might go next week - but you didn't sound like you enjoyed it very much?
Comment by Tracy
Movies and Life
I didn't realise it was a Spielberg production, aah I'm always learning on this site
I found this quote on IMDb (I was wondering if I was the only one thinking this way):
I don't think the pacing in this movie was all that good. There were huge blocks of what I like to call "nothing". I guess if you're a seventeen year old male, you'll enjoy the 65% of the movie that is spent watching Kale's new female neighbour through binoculars, but to me it just seemed to slow down the film. There was a little action in the beginning, a huge stretch of watching a girl swim, then a massive rush of violence at the end of the flick.
I think Disturbia would benefit from a few less minutes of swimming neighbours and Hostess products towers (you'll see what I mean when you watch the movie).I gave this movie a six because, despite what I said above and the constant presence of boom mics, this movie actually got my heart racing once or twice and the acting was quite good. If you like murder mysteries and/or teen-oriented movies, this one is worth a watch on some Sunday afternoon.
As you said, it's fine line....it's interesting to hear about it from your viewpoint being an editor. Congratulations on making it to Tropfest's shortlist, that's great. I know what you mean about looking back on a piece of work and seeing spots where you think it was a bit skewiff, I do with writing. But that's where we learn I guess.....
I haven't seen The Descent, but I've heard it's not that great. I'm not always in the mood for a scary one but when I am, I like it to knock my socks off. I think Wolf Creek did a good job with pacing and suspense...and I'm still proud that I watched it alone and at night....so proud that I did a post a while ago.
Well, I seem to have written an essay. Thanks for all your comments, Yoda,
Tracy
Comment by DuskDevi
Rugby World Cup 2007
There is no...um...why...
Sorry T...can't help it...
Wasn't 'Rear Window' remade in the late 80s with Christopher Reeve as The Stewart character?
...or am I dreaming?
Comment by yoda76
The Tube Blog
imdb link
1998 was Reeves version. Never saw it. Probably won't bother.
Powerful you have become, the dusk side I sense in you...
Comment by DuskDevi
Rugby World Cup 2007
...yeah? Well I am...!
Thanks Yoda. I think I have seen it...Daryl Hannah was in it...will check the link out...can't really remember if I have seen it...I just liked Christopher Reeve.
Your knowledge is....impressive. Most impressive. You have taught yourself well. You have controlled your tendancy to Yoda speak...unlike me.
I am seriously disturbia...
(Hi T...watchu doin' Girl? All is well?)
Comment by Tracy
Movies and Life
I don't think it would be your cup of tea.....maybe wait until it's a weekly DVD....?
I hadn't realised there was another re-release of the original...gosh how many does there need to be?!
I'm well thanks, hope you are too,
Byeee
Comment by Tracy
Movies and Life
Comment by Ash
Flashes of memories
I haven`t seen this one yet so will have to return once I have. It piqued my interest in the previews though... perhaps something for a lazy Sunday afternoon or when it comes out on DVD?
hope you have had a good Wednesday
ash
Comment by Tracy
Movies and Life
I'm well thanks, how are you? Yes, I think it's a lazy afternoon DVD, it's not dreadful but it's not one to rush out and see either. Feel free to return when you've seen it,
Byeee xx
Comment by KylieW
Celebrity Obsession
I've never seen Rear Window....maybe I should
Comment by Tracy
Movies and Life
It's funny because I knew nothing about the film before I it other than it being a thrilller, I hadn't seen any previews like you and others have mentioned....
I think it is a DVD one....on a lazy Sunday with some popcorn and chocolate......now I'm planning your life for you!!
Yes, Rear Window is definitely worth a look.
Have a great weekend,
Tracy
Comment by DuskDevi
Rugby World Cup 2007
...have a lovely weekend...
Dusk
Comment by Tracy
Movies and Life
Trace
Comment by JohnDoe
Film & TV on DVD
As for the Reeves remake, its not as bad as Bedroom Window. A 1980's reworking that starred
Steve Guttenburg/Elizabeth McGovern, scarier still that one is directed by Curtis Hanson (Wonderboys, LA Confidential)
Comment by Manda
Medicinal Nature
This was an excellent review (beautifully written). This sounds like something my teenage daughter would love to see....
Have a great day!
Comment by Tracy
Movies and Life
Yes, one day there has to be enough remakes made of this film (and others). I think I might've seen The Bedroom Window a million years ago, I had forgotten about that one. Thanks for the info,
Tracy
Comment by Tracy
Movies and Life
Thanks for your comments, yes, I think this is definitely a teenage film....!
Tracy
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Comment by Tracy
Movies and Life
It's great to meet you. Thanks for your comments,
Byeee