Review of Stir of Echoes (1999) by Brendan N — 25 Mar 2013

This film unfortunately suffered a quick death at the box office thanks in part to the sixth sense. its a shame because this is actually a well made and impressive film. its shares some of the same story points but thats where the similarities end.

Kevin bacon leads the film who is just an ordinary guy who is trying to keep he's wife and child happy. Kathryn Erbe is great in support playing the wife caught in the middle of both her son & husband who are both battling visions and contact from the dead. Bacon alone establishes a character flawed and passionate to keep pushing to resolve the visions if it means isolating himself from both he's family and work. He keeps this film from being anything less then ordinary.

David Koepp has written some of the best films but this adaption of Richard Matheson's works is a hidden gem. He cast Bacon who is brilliant and provoking in the lead and gives the film a strong atmospheric style. The cinema hypnotic scene is a marvel to watch and proof the director has an eye for more then just typing words. the story just oozes interest and once the door is open we are on a collison course with an ending. The strengths of the film are in its strong characters and support characters. You actually understand kevin bacons character and once that first vision occurs you understand he's shock and the limits he will go to understand what has happened to this girl.

I rarely sing praise but I enjoyed this film and often show people the film because the sixth sense quite honestly was the better film of the two. They are both different and its Kevin Bacon who keeps this from being a typical twist ridden borefest. I recommend this film highly and will continue to increase its viewership.