![Halloween Hype 2011, Pt. V
The House of the Devil
[2009 / Ti West / *****]
A minimalist horror film with maximum results. It was my second time seeing this last night. I may not have loved loved loved it like my first viewing (I had a bit of a problem with the ending and a couple moments of stiff acting) but still consider it one of my favourite modern horror films.
The way the film alternately pays tribute to the great domestic horror films of the 70s & 80s and embraces it via its own lo-fi style is expertly done. The “action” doesn’t really pick up until the last half hour but that first hour and its stylish slow-burn could have gone on for another two hours and I wouldn’t have minded. The use of period music, clothing, hairstyles and especially film stock really make for a believable retro look, without being self-conscious or derivative about it. I wavered between giving the film 4.5 or 5 stars here (like anyone cares) and despite the couple minor gripes noted above I figured I’d round up as I do think it really stands out from the rest of the current horror films and should be acknowledged as such. Really looking forward to Ti West’s new film The Innkeepers, with Sara Paxton in the lead role no less (enjoyed her in the remake of The Last House on the Left).](http://25.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_lssz98TCdJ1qz530to1_r1_500.png)
Halloween Hype 2011, Pt. V
[2009 / Ti West / *****]
A minimalist horror film with maximum results. It was my second time seeing this last night. I may not have loved loved loved it like my first viewing (I had a bit of a problem with the ending and a couple moments of stiff acting) but still consider it one of my favourite modern horror films.
The way the film alternately pays tribute to the great domestic horror films of the 70s & 80s and embraces it via its own lo-fi style is expertly done. The “action” doesn’t really pick up until the last half hour but that first hour and its stylish slow-burn could have gone on for another two hours and I wouldn’t have minded. The use of period music, clothing, hairstyles and especially film stock really make for a believable retro look, without being self-conscious or derivative about it. I wavered between giving the film 4.5 or 5 stars here (like anyone cares) and despite the couple minor gripes noted above I figured I’d round up as I do think it really stands out from the rest of the current horror films and should be acknowledged as such. Really looking forward to Ti West’s new film The Innkeepers, with Sara Paxton in the lead role no less (enjoyed her in the remake of The Last House on the Left).
1 Notes