Movie Review: Inside

 

Michael's Movie Review: B

An effective thriller.

This movie for the most part works because of Willam Defoe's performance. If pretty much any other actor had starred in this film, it probably would not have worked. His performance is so integral to this film working because for the most part this is a one man show. He plays an art thief who is locked inside a building he was trying to steal from. He is not only completely alone but is also low on food and water with little technology that works. So we spend the whole time with this one character, who we know very little about and who isn't exactly likable. It would be so easy for a film like this to completely fall apart. However Willam Defoe's performance makes it hard to look away even at the most unpleasant scenes. He brings such an intensity and humanity to this role that is intensely compelling. We find ourselves so completely captivated by his deteriorating mental state, that we feel as if we are trapped there with him. Adding to this is the film's use of various repetitive scenes and the sparing use of a musical score. The background music only appears in a few of the most dramatic scenes and is for the most part absent from many part of the movie, creating a unsettling quietness to many of the scenes. All of this also helps us get into the mindset of someone who is trapped. This movie also features wonderful cinematography and a wonderfully atmospheric set for the building. 

Unfortunately we never really get to know much about this character besides that he is an art thief and completely trapped in this building. This movie also tries to make some sort of commentary on the ultra-rich and the artworld, but in the end doesn't really say much of anything and certainly nothing you haven't heard a thousand times before. There is one bizarre scene in this film, that I had the feeling was supposed to be an unsettling and creepy twist. However there was little buildup to this scene or payoff afterwards and because of this it just felt weird and out of place. 

This movie has a very atmospheric and unsettling feel to it and Willam Defoe's performance is wonderful. It may be far from a perfect movie but what works, works very well.