Review of Paperhouse (1988) by Will T — 27 Oct 2010
This is a very effective psychological drama that deserves to be better known. Crudely billed as the English Nightmare on Elm Street,it'sactually a very rich and surreal exploration of childhood isolation, imagination and loneliness.
It's quite potent stuff, far too strong for a kids audience, especially when a violent and angry father figure is introduced, giving the film a very dark and disturbing edge to counterpoint the sweet friendship and pre-adolescent romance.
Bernard Rose directs with a lot of style and eye for simmering menace, and the set design is frightening in its surreal simplicity. I have to say some of the acting and voice dubbing is a bit second-rate, and the ending drags but these are minor criticisms of an imaginative and very effective journey into a coming of age childs world of dreams and nightmares.
This review of Paperhouse (1988) was written by Will T on 27 Oct 2010.
Paperhouse has generally received positive reviews.
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