Review of Fear X (2003) by Joseph S — 09 Feb 2010

Refn does David Lynch, the way he did Kubrick in Bronson, and does it terribly, without an ounce of energy, wit, or purpose. One of the most pointless films I have ever seen. I know it's about pointlessness and the randomness of the universe or whatever, so that even when the case is cracked so to speak the truth is still ultimately inaccessible, but none of it is emotionally or intellectually stirring, and the sequences which are cinematic are Lynch knock-offs, that even Jennifer Lynch would feel embarrassed to watch.

It's filler from first frame to last, and eraser of plot points, which don't illuminate or isolate anything, just frustrate and annoy. The film get's 1 star because once the audience discovers the identity of the killer and his motive the story flirts with suspense nicely, and even held the promise of redeeming itself.

I'm not naive enough to expect closure in anything as self consciously "existential" as this film must be patting itself on the back for being, but that doesn't mean we have to be bored.

The Cohen's "A Serious Man" says basically the same thing, but makes a nuanced, funny, charming, and even cathartic film out of it. This recalls "Memento", "Barton Fink", and a long list of Lynch films the way a mannequin recalls a human being.

I still might see Refn next "viking saga" movie, but I have no more desire to see his early work. I have no confidence that it will be worth the time.