Tag: thriller

MindHunter Review

It’s hard to imagine the magnitude of responsibility that rests on the shoulders of each FBI agent. NetFlix chose 2017 to be the year they pulled back the current on a specific time in the Federal Bureau of Investigation history, the late 1970’s. A time when the phrase serial killer was foreign to local law enforcement across the country. Leaving only a select group of government agents qualified to properly handle tracking down reoccurring murders with no apparent motive.

To the shows credit, the stress absorbed by both leads, Jonathan Groff and Holt MacCallany felt authentic as well as terrifying. Starting with Bill Tench, played by Holt McCallany. The senior partner’s family life from the beginning of the story is an upward battle. Combined with consent travel and a troubled son, the viewer can sense the relationship is in jeopardy. The true exposure of Bill’s taxing commute comes at approximately 19:33 of episode 3. The director of photography Erik Messerschmidt masterfully captures the actor in an almost completely dark hotel room. The expression, a picture tells a thousand words, rings true. As the scene unfolds you watch a man at the brink of exhaustion attempt to hold a conversation with his wife Stacey Roca.

Along with Bill, his optimistic partner Holden Ford showcases just how much his position has affected his psychic when he is unable to perform with his girlfriend, Debbie in season 7. The prison interviews finally took their toll, turning the once composed young investigator into an impotent boyfriend.

The level of stress that the two main characters endured did more than entertain, it raised several important questions. One being to what extent do traumatic childhood experiences, especially those involving their parents, affect the degree to which they can feel empathy as adults? Additionally, to what extent should society be educating their citizens about the potential long term damage of chronic stress? Questions I’m sure can only be fully answered by the men and women who have dedicated years to psycho analysis. None the less my interest in human psychology is heightened; creator Joe Penhall will certainly see the light of a second season.

Chris Bonafede

Stranger Things – Plus my predictions for Season 3!

The bar has been raised in the land of storytelling. The Duffer Brothers have arrived with the Netflix TV series Stranger Things. My initial plan for this blog post was simply to praise every aspect of the show, well deserved considering the attention to detail. Season 2 exceeded just about everyone’s expectations, the directing, acting, wardrobe, editing, set design, music it all formed together to make a near perfect 1 hour thriller. Instead I decided to hone in one aspect, where every show stems from, the writing.

As anyone begins studying writing they come across the topic of a character web. The basic idea revolves around not thinking of each character as a separate individual, but that each person, good and evil, are connected and define each other. The writing delivers on multiple occasions, showcasing relationships between family members that on the surface are inseparable as well as at times dysfunctional.

Throughout the first episode an abusive Dr. Martin Brenner, continues forcing his hospitalized daughter to perform mental experiments. The stakes are instantly high, as the audience watches a young girl struggle to survive. The two are connected, both aware of the powers Eleven possesses and existence of the upside down world. Everyone’s true identity, good or bad will be exposed by the challenges that lie ahead, forcing them to inevitably work together to survive.

One of the shows allures comes from episodes that introduce characters that are disguised as opponents that eventually reveal themselves as ally’s. The most satisfying was watching Doctor Sam Owens choosing to help Will Byers’s family escape the hospital as they were being attacked by the Demogorgon’s in season 2. We then watch as a new friendship emerges between Police Chief Jim Hopper and Dr. Owens, as they share a table for lunch at a local Hawkins diner. The near death experience that virtually everyone experiences forces them to become a stronger version of themselves, an attractive theme that continues throughout both seasons.

Although most made it out alive the current condition of Hawkins, Indiana leaves me asking several questions, the main one being how many more attacks from the Demogorgon’s can they survive? Moreover, what will result from the tapes Nancy Wheeler and Jonathan Byer’s mailed out, the same ones exposing Doctor Sam Owens? I’m sure all questions will be addressed soon enough, leaving the diehard fans patiently waiting for the announcement of season 3.

Until then I’ll leave you with one prediction, in the spirit of disguising opponents as ally’s. In chapter 7 Lost Sister, Eleven finds Kali, the girl with the tattoo 008 and her friends, all possessing super powers. In spite of the first introduction being positive, I believe that season 3 will exhibit a clash between Eleven and Kali. A battle that leaves Eleven questioning who she can trust.

Blade Runner 2049

The advancement of Artificial Intelligence raises a series of unanswerable questions, the essential one being will the benefits of obtaining superior technology out way the risk? In the film Blade Runner 2049, directed by Denise Villeneuve, the power is indeed difficult to manage. As the opening shots captivate the audience we watch as the character “K” (played by Ryan Gosling) is sent on a thrilling hunt to destroy an older model bio-robotic android referred to as a “replicant”.

I would recommend going to the theater to support the visuals alone. Roger Deakins, the director of photography showcases a mastery of his craft, with each shot displaying beauty in the seemingly hopeless future. Teamed with seasoned crew members, Roger creates a unique world that repeatedly examines the aftermath of replicants that refuse to obey.

The cast is an easy sell, filled with actors at the top of their game; Harrison Ford, Ryan Gosling, Robin Wright, Dave Bautista, Jared Leto, Ana de Armas, Lennie James, Sylvia Hoeks, and the list goes on and on. As the story reveals itself the only main drawback with the star-studded cast was the lack of screen time for several A list actors.

Questioning ones existence is an underlying theme that writers Hampton Fancher and Michael Green examine in depth throughout the movie. A relatable idea that consumes the minds of all humans at some point in their life. The twists and turns keep you guessing as the true desire of the main characters comes to the forefront.

The Sci-Fi/Thriller is undoubtedly worth the time spent in the theater, but take note, it is pivotal that you pay close attention during the entirety of the film, each line of dialogue obtains value. In other words, make sure your cell phone is on silent.