Review of Ravenous (1999) by Ran L — 11 Jul 2011

A suprisingly great film. It succeeds mostly by combining a pitch black sense of humor with exceedingly visceral subject matter and imagery. Like with any good movie, its script is its backbone. Its wry, smart and becomes pretty philisophical for a movie about cananibalism.

The good script is delievered very well by a great cast of veteran character actors like Carlyle, Davies, McDonough and Arquette. Even creepy pedophiliac Jeffery Jones turns in a good performance. Pearce is a terrific actor, and even though he is not at his peak here, he is still quite servicable.

Carlyle steals the show as Colqhoun/Ives however. He is terrificly creepy and seemingly supernatural. The story is an excellently original telling of the age old Wendigo legend. Its kind of a the Oregon Trail meets the Dahmer party meets 'Jeepers Creepers'.

Another reason for the movies success is its direction and overalll vibe. It is filmed unconventionally, with lots of quick cuts and choppy motions which add alot in the way of putting the viewer on their toes even in a subliminal mannor.

Bird really demonstrates a knowledge of how to get the most out her format. In addition to all this, its a great period piece. Alot of attention to detail as far as constructing a realistic sets, wardrobe, dialouge and military proceedurals.

Still has some things that detract from the overall product. It does take a little while to get going, but despite this, the character development of the first half hour is lacking. For the most part, you don't really feel like you've gotten to know them.

This does have a benifit however, as when they begin to be dispatched, it allows Bird to be completely unappologetic about it. Another thing that I felt could have been better was the score. It feels out of place and intrusive at times.

Many parts of the score are electronic and modern, seemingly out of place with the 1840's wilderness setting. However, this negitive also serves a purpose. It automatically creates a quirky and strange feel that ends up serving the films plot pretty well.

A couple of strange moments that spiral a bit out of control also, but nothing that really detracts in the end. Overall, this is definetly a one of a kind and different feeling movie that has a style all its own.

Smart, creative and just feels different from the ordinary.