Review of Gothika (2003) by Rachel M — 20 Dec 2008

GOTHIKA (2003).

Directed by Mathieu Kassovitz.

Starring Halle Berry, Penelope Cruz, Robert Downey Jr.With a title like Gothika we could only expect something kind of spooky but it was a lie, Gothika was like any other scary movies that came out in the last few years, even with French director Mathieu Kassovitz making his American debut as a director. Unfortunately, Kassovitz went a bit over the top taking advantage of his big budget to use way too many camera moves and editing effect making this film flavorless and giving some dizziness.It tells the story of a psychiatrist who wakes up as a patient in the asylum where she used to work with no memory of what she did to end up there. Its just another ghost story that isnt very scary with a deceiving ending and a confusing non-sense plot. The only good thing about this film is the idea of bringing a character that we know is supposed to be sane but suddenly get us doubting her sanity.As I said before Halle Berry got lucky with Monster's Ball - maybe it was Billy Bob - yes she did give a great performance cause she had a great role but here, like in most of her work, she is just kind of bad and very disappointing. Its pretty much the same with Penelope Cruz who never really gives a good performance in English. Even Robert Downey Jr. doesnt manage to be interesting. At least its not too laughable.