Review of 8MM (1999) by Ivan D — 02 Feb 2010

Andrew Kevin Walker, the writer of the grim thriller, "Se7en", created another film that explores the darkness of men, and the perversion of the soul. Although Walker disowned the screenplay of the film because of some drastic changes, his trademark visual trademark of decay in the city streets, and the disturbed premises were still present.

In common mainstream thrillers, great character actors were often wasted, but here, the likes of James Gandolfini, Peter Stormare, and especially Joaquin Phoenix delivered efficiently. The first and second act of the film involved Nicolas Cage's sleuth character entering into the dark forays of extreme pornography, to investigate a supposed "snuff" film.

But as the third act came, it instantly turned from being a "follow-the-trail" type thriller to a deeply provoking act of vigilance, which even the Nic Cage character couldn't even stomach at first.

The only thing that bothered me is by-the-numbers climax with "machine", which I thought, could have been much better. It's still a solid film though, with Cage departing from his usual over-acting nature, which indeed showed his versatility that many people doubt.