Review of The Quiet (2005) by Drew S — 22 Nov 2007

I couldn't really tell whether they were posturing this as some sort of bizarre, ambitious attack on dysfunctional suburbia or a hilarious campy not-really-horror, but despite these clashes (which result in some of 2006's most risible dialogue) I actually sort of enjoyed the movie. It's an underwhelming effort at best, with a predictable plot and bizarre pacing, but there are some interesting things about it. Little subtexts that the writers could have used to deepen the movie seemed to be ignored in an attempt to go that black-humor route.

Honestly, I think this one could have been played straight, and very well too. The studio obviously wasn't prepared to throw that kind of money at it though, and thus we get some truly bizarre attempts at making it into warped humor. See: the scene where strange, geeky-looking Shawn Ashmore tells Camilla Belle all about his dick, which is one of the strangest things I've ever witnessed. I mean...no one involved could have thought that including that would be a good idea for the movie's dramatic credibility. But the show must go on!

The other interesting thing about this movie is Camilla Belle's role. She deserves commendation for even attempting this character, a challenge that other actresses her age wouldn't go near. Could you imagine Lindsay Lohan trying to pull this off? Even though I don't think she was very good in the role - it may have had to do with the writing, demanding constant blank stares and non-reactions - it was still an interesting turn for someone whose best-known work is When A Stranger Calls. I wouldn't mind seeing more of her.