Review of Caché (2005) by Gianluca M — 20 Dec 2010

The film begins on a single, excrutiatingly long shot. As seconds become minutes we still stare at this completely uninteresting image in the vain hope that something, that anything, will happen. Nothing happens. This is where Hidden truely shows how clever it really is. The way the film manages to draw you into the paranoia and sense of unease that remains constant through out the film, without actually resolving anything, puts the film at both an advantage and at a disadvantage. Many will complain about this, but this is actually the films main asset. The fact that the film has an unrelenting snail-like pace, yet maintains your interest surely shows the mark of a brilliant director.

Although the film is 100% exposition and development, the plot is entirely engaging. The film charts the increasing desperation and agony with which the main protagonist attempts to unravel the mystery of who has been terrorising his family with tapes of his home, and disturbing drawings. As the film progresses, so does Georges obsession, he becomes much more pugnacious and longs to stop whoever is terrorising his family.

Although I did enjoy the narrative immensely, the cinematography was simply the most outstanding part of Hidden. Haneke's style of direction shows alot of care and passion. With Hidden he has carefully chosen every single shot, and every single cut with great delicacy. This excuisite use of editing and cinematography manages to create great meaning in the film, and although most shot are still and very long, this manages to portray the way the protagonists are constantly being watched,with their every move being documented. As well as being superbly directed, Hidden boasts some of the best acting I have seen recently. Daniel Autueil and Juiliette Binoche are both incredibly touching and intensly passionate through out, they manage to craft the image of a couple who are struggling through a difficult and emotionally scarring time beautifully.

Overall, Hidden is an expertly crafted film, a touching and intense portrayl of paranoia and the way it can destroy a family. Many may find the film's pacing can be a little daunting, and with a running time of 1 hour and 51 minutes, they might well be put off. However, I would sincerely advise anyone who are fans of Haneke's other films, or the film of Jacques Audiard to give Hidden a go.

8/10.