Review of A Nightmare on Elm Street (1984) by Filipeneto — 03 Apr 2021

It is difficult to say anything about this film that everyone has not already mentioned. It was scary when it was released and remains one of the most respectable films in the horror genre, a classic in its own right. Despite its merits and qualities, personally, I did feel the weight of age at some points in the film, which never really scared me.

The plot is known to everyone I think: the teenagers of a certain American street are disturbed in their sleep by Fred Krueger, the spirit of a child murderer who was killed by their parents, decades before, when justice failed to punish him for the crimes he committed. Appearing in their dreams, he disturbs them until he manages to kill them, and the death inflicted in the dream resounds in real life, with violent and tragic contours for everyone.

Director Wes Craven (one of the big names in horror cinema, with solid credits in the genre) knew how to make the film effectively, albeit without developing much of the story or characters, focusing on entertainment and the deaths that go on. Happening. The cast is made up of names I don't know well. The film did not demand much from them and the characters are very sketchy and not very noticeable, being in the film to die or simply to show fear. Young Heather Langenkamp, however, gave life to one of the central characters in the plot and was entitled to better material and more careful development. The result is natural: it stands out from the majority, with quality work, even if it is not brilliant. Robert Englund also deserves applause for the convincing way in which he brought the film's villain to life. Finally, a brief mention of Johnny Depp's participation in one of his first cinematographic works.

Technically, it is a film based on effectiveness. Cinematography is used with skill and decisively helps to create a scary environment. The visual and sound effects were also well-used and enjoy the best that was there when the film was released. I especially liked the effects with fire and electricity. The scenarios were equally well done, especially the abandoned factory that appears to be where Krueger resides. Everything seems convincing enough, and it doesn't seem to have been done in a way that saves on the budget. Incidental music, with an abundance of treble, is very good for the most tense moments, and the soundtrack is discreet, highlighting the children's song sung at the end, as if it were a prelude to indicate that evil was not effectively defeated.