Review of Exam (2009) by Arin D — 17 Jan 2011
It's tempting to call this the English version of the Spanish film 'The Method' (El Metodo). There are a lot of similarities: the closed set, a diverse group of characters, the observer, the exacerbation of the natural propensity of humans to do bad things under pressure.
In 'Exam' a group of 8 individuals are put in a closed room to answer a 'question' to qualify for a sought after job. In 'El Metodo' a group gather to be tested individually in turn in a room by a corporate interviewer and a psychologist.
Who is the real candidate? Who is a plant? What will people do to succeed? Here 'Exam' differs in the aspects of character that are examined (!) and the denouement. While the Spanish film has both fewer dramatic crescendos and a muted denouement, the English film ladles all these on.
Things definitely spiral out of control in 'Exam', yet are wrapped up in a somewhat neatened ending. I think I preferred 'El Metodo', but this is a good film too.
This review of Exam (2009) was written by Arin D on 17 Jan 2011.
Exam has generally received positive reviews.
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