Review of The Poughkeepsie Tapes (2007) by Wayne K — 23 Oct 2017
The long-delayed release of horror film/snuff movie/social commentary The Poughkeepsie Tapes has resulted in a reputation for shock and brutality that the flick doesn't quite attain. It's nowhere near the most violent or bloody film I've ever seen, nor is it the best horror film.
There are plenty of tense moments, and the poor quality of both the visuals and audio add to its grim authenticity. I jumped a good few times, and found myself worrying about what was going to happen next at some of its most nerve-wracking points.
It's a bleak exploration of the sick, deranged people who live among us, and how frightening it is that there are so many of them currently active. The film suffers from some poor directorial and editing choices, such as cutting away from the eponymous tapes at the most intense moments and switching to shots of trees and innocuous goings-on, killing all the suspense.
I couldn't see myself watching it a second time, but I certainly would recommend it to anyone who is interested in the art of found footage films, or those with a fascination with the dark, the morbid and the macabre.
This review of The Poughkeepsie Tapes (2007) was written by Wayne K on 23 Oct 2017.
The Poughkeepsie Tapes has generally received positive reviews.
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