[●REC] is simply a unique film that offers the viewers a payoff were other could not. I have no qualms about comparing [●REC] to The Blair Witch Project because in the end, [●REC] is a better film that demonstrates that you can take a unique style and follow through with your original intention. Blair Witch was all about trying to scare the audience through supposed reality, yet it never gave the viewers a payoff. [●REC] fulfills this and leaves the viewer slightly shaken if not downright horrified. We could walk away from Blair Witch with our night filled with puffy clouds and teddy bears. We walk away from [●REC] with questions and a sense of horror, which is why the films is so good.
The basic premise is that Ángela Vidal (Manuela Velasco) is a local reporter that has the great (sarcasm) job of chronicling the life of an overnight shift at a firehouse. All is well until they actually get a call, except it’s not for a fire. Instead they are called to help an old lady out of an apartment. Once inside, the old lady is quite unhinged and the building is sealed off for no apparent reason. Then all hell breaks loose as a mysterious condition begins taking over and people die. Did I forget to mention that they become zombie-like (think 28 Days Later zombies). While the reasons for the zombie outbreak need to remain a mystery, they are still a bit convoluted after the film ends. They are just outlandish enough to be believable but not too far-fetched to ruin the film. The story may not sound like much, but the story is not the reason this film works so well.
The first person perspective initiated early on is both brilliant for the film but also introduces my one overwhelming problem. The story would not work if it weren’t for the audience being drawn in by the first person perspective. Not only does it bring the viewer closer to the action, it also emotionally draws the audience into the mindset and thought process of our intrepid reporter and the cast of supporting actors. The viewer becomes a part of the film. I found myself becoming more frightened and more on edge simply because I was wrapped up in the unfolding occurrences (which also could be attributed to a few too many cups of coffee late in the day). I could easily compare this feeling to what is felt when you are watching Grace Kelly in the apartment across the way in Rear Window. There is one major difference, James Stewart eventually put down the binoculars. Our resident cameraman Pablo (Pablo Rosso) only puts his camera down once or twice to help and engage in the action. Even though he is faced with people or things trying to kill him, he diligently keeps that camera in focus and on the action. And that’s where some of the believability casually leaves the film. At some point, he would have put the damn camera down no matter how dedicated he may be in capturing their situation. Of course, this is why it’s a film. If the camera would have been put down, the film would have been over. A small annoyance in a generally excellent film.
Another layer to this film was the addition of many non-professional actors that were given no direction and no prior notice of what was actually going to happen in the film. By chance or brilliance, they were natural and acted as someone genuinely would in the situation they find themselves in. Yet another reason that the audience becomes part of the film thereby enhancing the fear. Was I scared? More than I’ve ever been since watching Ju-on. To the point that I had to cringe a bit toward the end. Why? Because unlike The Blair Witch Project, there is a payoff for staying with the shaky cam.
It takes quite a bit to move me to such a strong recommendation for a horror film since I typically find that they never follow through on their promises of fear. [●REC] is scary and more importantly, well crafted. Jaume Balagueró and Paco Plaza provided viewers with more than just another horror film. [●REC] is a horror film that should me mandatory viewing for anyone interested in using first person camera viewpoints and anyone trying to capture the audience’s attention. Please don’t watch the remake, watch the original. [●REC] is now one of my favorite horror films, and it should be one of your favorites as well.
