Audition

***(out of 4 stars)

I've seen some of my favorite horror films on the big screen. I'm talking classics too! Man, in the past year I've seen (in 35mm print) Halloween, Gates of Hell, The Bird with the Crystal Plumage, Zombie, Alligator, Pieces and most recently, Audition.

The experience is great, that is the first thing about it. The second great thing is that the people who pay their hard earned dollar to see these films know what they're getting into. They (WE) are there to see some great horror from yesteryear and we don't put up with loud mouthed punks talking about what they did earlier in school, or the asshole down below you who keeps insisting that his texting is more entertaining than that of the film, or how about the moron who has seen the film and loves to crack a joke right before a peculiar scene comes up. Yeah, we don't deal with these assholes who just seem to enjoy throwing money away so they can have a two hour texting conversation with their equally asinine friend.

Enough ranting. I saw Takashi Miike's Audition on Friday evening. The experience was what I thought it would be - great. Great and kind of disturbing.

First, let me tell you that this film is slow. It's slow, but don't let that sway your decision about seeing it. Trust me, it's a good flick. The slow burn helps to tell a compelling and very disturbing tale about love, acceptance, betrayal, loss, death and torture. Yeah, confusing right? Watch the film and try wrapping your brain around what you see. Guarantee you'll have to watch it a second time. Guarantee it!

After the death of his wife, Shigebaru Aoyama (Ryo Ishibashi) is lost and left devastated. His colleague, producer and friend, Yasuhisa (Jun Kunimura) suggest that they have an Audition to find him a new bride. After numerous auditions, the plan seems to fail. That is, until a shy and beautiful woman named, Asami (Eihi Shiina) wins over Shigebaru with her audition. Shigebaru is enchanted and intrigued by this young women and he can't stop thinking about her. But underneath all the facade, lies a more dark and sinister women. After Yasuhisa does some investigating, he finds that Asami's past is suspect.

Takashi Miike builds on a solid story first. Much of this film plays on character development and delves into the psychosis of those characters. But once Miike takes us to the meat and potato's of the story, we are introduced to some barbaric and disturbing images.

There's one scene in particular that gets me every time. Ryo contemplates calling Asami over and over. Once he does make that call, we see Asami, kneeling down in her living room, whilst a big burlap sack lies next to her. What in the world could be in that sack? Miike doesn't show us right away. He's too smart of a director. Instead the questions lingers and later it is finally revealed as to what is really in that sack. When it is revealed I'm repulsed every time.

The ending is the most startling part of this film. This is where we really get to see what kind of person Asami really is and what her intentions really are. Wait for her to smile and whisper the words, "deeper, deeper, deeper".

But there are other elements and sequences of this film that have another kind of horror. We are shown through flashbacks as Asami's ballet teacher burns her inner thighs when she was a young girl. Her teacher is creepy. He sits in a wheel chair and has artificial feet. He literally is wearing the feet of some other person. Later and through flashbacks, we get to see how he meets an unfortunate, yet fortunate demise.

The flashback sequences do remind me of Lynch. Although Miike's flashbacks do help to tell the story in a cohesive manner. Sometimes, unlike that of Mr. Lynch. The flashbacks offer a glimpse as to what we've just witnessed for our entire stay at the theatre or in front of the TV. Masterful story telling. This is a horror film that won't soon be forgotten.

If you ever come by this film and you're staring at the cover, trying to decide whether to watch it or not, just remember my recommendation. Stop by and thank me later.

Starring: Ryo Ishibashi and Eihi Shiina

Directed by: Takashi Miike

Written by: Daisuke Tengan

115 mins

2000

High Tension (2003)

*1/2 (out of four stars)

Marie and Alexia plan to spend the weekend at Alexia's parents house to study for some upcoming exams. All goes well, until the door bell rings in the middle of the night. What transpires next is a brutal blood soaked frenzy by an intruder who kills everyone in the house, (except Maria) then kidnaps Alexia. With everyone else dead, Marie follows the mad man in attempt to save her friend.

First of all let me say this. The movie had some really brutal moments. It had the blood, gore and suspense that many horror films lack. The killer maims the entire family, including the little boy. Some of the kills are really adequate for a film like this. I mean the blood just sprays all over the place. The killer even uses a dresser to decapitate the head of one of his victims. That's right. A fucking dresser. There's actually a lot going for this film. Until....

Yep, you've probably heard it from a dozen horror fans. The ending sucks. And although there are two crucial clues within the first five minutes of the film that gives the ending right to you, you'll want to turn it off at the very moment it's revealed. I'm really trying hard not to bash this film for many reasons. First, the acting is great and the characters are very believable. The intruder, (Philippe Nahon) is an awesome choice as the killer and does a great job with his efforts.

Second, the suspense is great! This movie really has you pulled in and does a great job of keeping you seated. The score that goes along with the film is impressive as well. It sets a mood that very few horror movies these days do. In other words there are some nail biting moments. That's why my nails are torn to shit right now.

But, it does fail in the end. It almost feels like you've been played for a fool the whole time. Quite frankly put, and I hate saying this, it makes you want to go to the filmmaker's house and demand your hour and a half back. Followed by a please don't make another film card, that you can throw in the M. Night Shyamalan category.

To end this on a good note, like I said, there is alot that this movie had going for it. Good kills, good thrills, but it just blew its load too early and without conviction. Some of the best tension sequences were thrown into this movie. It's gripping, it really is. With that said, it just feels like all of the scares were wasted. The climax doesn't pay off. In other words, a cheap ending.

Cast: Cecile De France, Maiween Le Besco and Philippe Nahon

Directed by: Alexandre Aja

2003

Running time: 91 mins