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Below (2002)
Starring:
Bruce Greenwood, Olivia Williams, Matt Davis
Director:
David Twohy
Rating: R
Studio:
Dimension Films
Review
Posted: 4.06.03
Spoilers: None
Reviewed by
Dennis Landmann
In the dark silence of the sea
during World War II, the submarine U.S.S. Tiger Shark prowls on
what should be a routine rescue mission. But for the
shell-shocked crew, trapped together in the sub's narrow
corridors and constricted spaces, this is about to become a
journey into the sensory delusions, mental deceptions and
runaway fear that lurk just below the surface of the ocean and
deep inside the human psyche.
From
director David Twohy (Pitch Black) comes an exciting
submarine suspense thriller featuring a stellar cast of
characters and performances. However, what takes center stage in
Below is the writing of Lucas Sussman & Darren Aronofsky
and David Twohy. Not only do the three writers know their story
very well but also how to create suspense. Coming off the
success of U-571, Below offers an exciting new
twist to the genre, specifically by combining suspense with the
horror genre.
In
addition to the strong script are the performances of some
well-known character actors/faces, namely Bruce Greenwood, Holt
McCallany, Olivia Williams, Jason Flemyng, Matt Davis, and
Dexter Fletcher. Each of the characters has specific traits and
intentions that serve the story well. By all means, Below
is more than just another submarine film in that the characters
and their situation divert the audience’s attention to
themselves. Each new twist and horror-related “jump scare” is
due to the actions of the characters.
Below
is perhaps one of the most overlooked films of 2002. Its cast
consists of very familiar faces, the writing and direction are
really good, and the horror genre within is perfect for a
setting such as inside a submarine. This film is not only scary,
but it is very exciting and fun to watch. Even though the last
ten minutes seem a little confusing and awkward, Below is
one of those smaller films you really can’t afford to miss.
8 out of 10
>Read
Sara M. Fetters' Film Review!
"Pristine"
is the one word to describe the video transfer of the film.
Daylight scenes look fresh and the color detail is simply
amazing. I didn’t notice any scratches or shadows on this fine
video transfer. The underwater sequences are handled very well
and most of the dark scenes profited from the clear-cut and
detailed 1.85:1 widescreen transfer, also enhanced for 16x9
televisions.
9 out of 10
Below
is very much audio-driven and the Dolby Digital 5.1 Surround
Sound that is available is pretty good. However, the film lacks
the action that made U-571 so loud and exciting during
times of battle. Nevertheless, this transfer handles the film’s
noise very well as both front and rear speakers come to life.
8
out of 10
Commentary
by David Twohy and Cast – This track is pretty enjoyable from
the “vibe” point of view. There are quite a lot of laughs and
good conversations. Twohy tends to comment on technical and
writing aspects of the film while the actors comment on
themselves and what is shown on screen.
Deleted
Scenes w/ optional Director’s Commentary – Twohy explains why
some of these scenes, which actually aren’t too bad, ultimately
made it to the cutting room floor.
“The
Process” Featurette – Interviews with the cast and crew are
spliced with footage from the film and behind-the-scenes. It’s
not very revealing, but serves its purpose well to explain the
process of making Below.
Theatrical
Trailer – This trailer is actually very well made, but I’m
afraid not enough people got the chance to see it.
8
out of 10
Below is
an exciting, fun, and smart submarine suspense/horror film. This
is the easiest and most effective way to describe the film.
Also, with a pristine video transfer and a pretty good audio
track, in addition to some very deserving special features,
Below is a DVD actually worth "buying." For anyone with
reservations, I would "recommend" a rental.
Overall DVD Rating: 8 out of 10
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