Rating:
***
By: Da’Mon Guy
The horror genre is
one of the most popular among movie lovers. However, it is one of the most
difficult to keep fresh and relevant. Filmmakers are constantly in search of
new ways to induce scares and chills as their audience views their material.
One of the newer ways that filmmakers are looking to infuse some creativity
into the genre is the use of the first person perspective when it comes to
movies. Ever since the success of the Blair Witch Project, Hollywood has been
finding ways to re-invent the use of the camera perspective.
Afflicted is intriguing, innovative occurrence
that ingeniously institutes a new perspective on one of the ageless characters
in all of fiction. It brings a hyper realistic touch to the vampire genre
through the combination of the use of new age cinematography, a reality show
approach to the delivery of the story, and finally a touch of much needed
realism being added to the story. The film stars Derek Lee (No Backing Out),
Clif Prowse (1st film), and Baya Rehaz (Blue is the Warmest
Color). The movie debuted in 2013.
The film is makes for an interesting
new outlook on the vampire genre. It has a riveting viewpoint on one man’s
transformation into the revered character. It’s one of the better Vampire films
that isn’t as good as some of the other Like Byzantium and Let Me In but it
does make for a good watch. Afflicted
has a very humanizing approach to one of the greatest characters in cinema. The
way that it’s presented to its viewers allows its viewers to live vicariously
through its characters. The first thing that stands out about Afflicted is the
director’s choice of camera perspective. Afflicted implements the use of the
now popular documentary style story that is becoming popular. It makes for an
interesting perspective to the story added a higher level of realism, however,
it doesn't truly do the story justice.
One of the biggest detractors from
the film is that the first 15 minutes are nearly worthless. The film could have
easily been better served by eliminating these. The filmmakers tries to
establish the characters and the closeness of the two main stars but it’s very
boorish. It nearly loses your attention and forces you to question why you are
watching this movie. Soon after it does pick up and then it finally begins to
live up to some of the promise of the trailers. It begins to take the shape of
a very unique outlook on one of the most popular figures in movies.
The cast is consist of mostly
unknowns. Derek Lee and Clif Prowse head the films and star as themselves. Both
do a good job however their novice acting skills really are magnified as the
film progresses. Because of the limited acting ability, the film doesn’t
achieve the level of enjoyment that could have been reached had there been
better actors.
There is an unwavering, timeless
infatuation that fiction lovers have with Vampires. They are some of the most
popular characters in movies and fiction. The public seems to never grow weary
of them. Afflicted helps to add to the genre with a different approach. Fans of
the character will surely enjoy this more than those who aren’t. It’s surely
not a classic but it does offer a good level of entertainment with its very
unique perspective on the characters. While this film could have been better,
it is surely more than enough to offset a boring night.
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