Review of Pin (1988) by Liam U — 28 Jun 2011

Yet another independent, Canadian classic. Pin dives into a strong point in psychological thriller, and with good directing and terrific performances, Pin is a unique movie and a must see.

Leon and Ursula are brother and sister in a very strict household. But their father, a doctor, has a lighter side to him because of Pin, a medical dummy which the father uses ventriloquism to make it seem like Pin is alive. Ursula knows fast that Pin can't really talk, but Leon never does, even when he becomes an adult. Pin is a great Freudian psychological thriller with interesting character developments. We see through the movie how Leon's and Ursula's upbringing and society shapes their attitude and decisions. Leon becomes antisocial and sexually repressed where Ursula becomes the exact opposite. And through the whole movie we can clearly see why they act the way they do, and that comes from a position of truely great acting. David Hewlett and Cyndy Preston really do an incredible job. Their acting is flawless and their tone and facial expressions leave us to wonder what they're thinking. They don't even have to say their lines for us to know what they're thinking. At times the movie tries to stretch itself to be more of a horror movie, but really this movie isn't that far of a realitic stretch. Pin isn't a movie full of blood and twists, it is a thorough examination of 2 characters that is realistically desturbing.

Not even this movie's low budget can stop it from looking great. Most of the movie takes place in a really big house, full of expensive materials, furnature covered in plastic, and everything always looks clean. It's a one horse town that this movie takes place in, so other locations aren't stunning, but they look great none the less. This movie has very effective directing, capturing moments wonderfully in suspence. We know Leon is crazy, and the moments when people find out he is are really well presented. That's what is so good about this movie, it focuses on the reactions of the characters than stuffing the movie with the thrilling actions. And other creepy moments are accompanied with good sound effects and a creepy music score.

A personal favourite thriller of mine. Pin is creepy on the most thoughtful level. It is a special movie that doesn't need any gimmicks or gore to be horrifying. Pin is a great psychological thriller that is even accomplished without a big budget of big actors. Canada keeps on proving that they know how to make good horror movies.