Resonance

Here is a film you can really sink your teeth into. Pardon the pun; but through the camp, Teeth provides an interesting concept with a retro feel. At first I was half expecting a gore fest that was filled with high action and scare, but instead I was given a plodding plot that really never got to that typical splatter house pace. Which, was a good thing. The best way I describe this film experience is by putting the image of every 80′s slasher film in your head and then telling you that Teeth‘s monster is lecherous guys and the final girl bites back.

Teeth was not exactly what I expected. The plot revolves around a girl that may or may not have something wrong with her. In a flashback, this girl has supposedly bit her step brother’s fingertip off. Flash ahead and we get Dawn (Jess Weixler), the abstinence queen in her daily routine. That is until we meet Tobey (Hale Appleman), Dawn’s future crush and fellow promise ring wearer. While all of this seems routine and uneventful, Dawn’s home life is troubled. Her mother Kim (Vivienne Benesch) is dealing with cancer and her step brother Brad (John Hensley) is dealing with being a complete asshole. I wish I could be kinder, but this is a character than is obsessed with Dawn while trying to do everything possible to be a rebel. Eventually, Tobey confesses he is not a virgin and attempts to rape Dawn. This is where the film goes from really crappy exploration of being teenager to “Oh my god his penis is laying on the ground!” That’s right, evidently Dawn has a surprise, teeth down there that are able to bite a penis clean off.

Dawn is upset and confused, but the rest of the film finds her embracing her new found ability. We first have her visiting Dr. Godfrey (Josh Pais), a gynecologist that Dawn wants to have check her out. In the midst of the exam, Dr. Godfrey proves to be as bad as Tobey. This time its fingers. So we continue along our path with Dawn, her mother dies and she is force into the arms of what could be her hero Ryan (Ashley Springer). Sex is on the agenda after Ryan successfully “convinces” Dawn through drugs, alcohol, and toys. Dawn thinks she is saved, until Ryan admits the sex was for a bet, all while having sex with her again. You can guess what happens next. Inevitably, this leads to a showdown between Dawn and Brad.

There are two things that intrigued me about Teeth.  First, the camp quality and humor.  For the first part of the film you get a very dull teenage style film.  Although its purpose is apparent, you want something, anything to happen.  When the film gets going, the set-up is worth it.  But I’m wondering if my knowledge of the film hurt the longer introduction.  The camp continues with some humorous acting that elicits those 80′s flashbacks.  I must admit, Dr. Godfrey screaming, “Vagina Dentata it’s true!” had me spitting out my drink.  Really, the entire film has a tongue in cheek attitude.  I hate to mention the postmodern vibe, but what the hell.

The second thing I want to mention is the use of the actual myth of vagina dentata.  Some people will view this film as anti-male, but the examination of the myth alleviates any fears that this film was made to demonize men.  If you take a closer look at the myth, it is a creation of the fear of women by men.  Read up on it if you get the chance because it is interesting that the film rarely deviates from the myth itself.  I can only imagine that by calling this an anti-male film plays into the idea of the myth itself.  It’s pretty simple, don’t be a dick and you won’t lose it.

The film was fairly interesting and well done.  The budget is low, but it works with the retro feel.  I was somewhat saddened that a reoccurring image is of a nuclear power plant cooling towers.  One could easily make the connection between that and Dawn’s mutation and her mother’s cancer.  This falls a bit flat when the cooling towers are shown having black smoke coming from them.  Since cooling towers only dispense water vapor this image really gives an unfair image of nuclear power.  Perhaps this was also playing into the retro style.  Overall, Teeth was fun (if not a bit graphic at times) film that proves that films can still be made that are different.