Review of Shallow Grave (1994) by Rai R — 15 Jun 2012

There are films that can have a fun-sounding premise, but also fall victim to some clichà (C)s, this may be one of them, but Hodge and Boyle are more than aware of it. But few films can be aware of there clichà (C)s, more than overcome them and still portray much artistic value.

Danny Boyle explored just about everything he was going to portray in his later films, but while he was maybe "just exploring" those thoughts, he made his best work with this film. Many have complained that the whole of the film never came together, which, if you've seen it, you understand where they are coming from.

If you connect with it, you understand that bringing it all together is the best way to put this film. Alex's little twist at the end may have been a slight bit overused trick, it couldn't have been better portrayed better.

Which brings us right to Boyle's excellent use of audio-visual synchronization, which I think his use during the part I just mentioned, was his best synchronization. Even better than Lou Reed's "Perfect Day" on Trainspotting.

This is also the finest character study Boyle has ever done, it's brilliant. Lastly, the imagery. The imagery, which Boyle is always excellent at, is also outstanding, and probably the best he has done.

Anyway, this film has a warm welcome to the Criterion Collection.