I went into this film knowing little about it, except the basic subject matter (which I'd read up on in the past). In the first five minutes, I knew I was going to like it... the atmosphere, camera angles, saturated colors, acting, everything. The director seems to have really learned something from Stanley Kubrick here, and I can't help but wondering what the film would have been like if Kubrick had directed it. Many "Kubrickian" long shots and tilted overhead camera angles are used (perhaps a bit too often).
This is one of Roger Ebert's "how it's about it" films (if you get the reference). There's a lot more depth to the film than what seems to exist on the surface. It's definitely not for those under-30 folks who seem to be lacking in attention span. No explosions or fires, and Schwarzenegger doesn't waltz onto the screen. Instead, it's a fascinating study of "environmental illness," and it provides no real answers to the questions it raises. Some have noted the film as "subversive," but it's also very entertaining (at least for those who appreciate cinema as an art form rather than simply a mindless escape). Demands a fair amount from the viewer, and is very rewarding for those willing to put something into the viewing experience. "Safe" has become one of my new favorites, and I wish I had seen it in the theater... some of the cinematography clearly demands large-screen viewing for the best possible experience.
Sometimes I think the word "safe" should be written as "reaf" -- a rearrangement of the letters in the word "fear." If you understand why I think this, you're likely to enjoy this film. 9/10.
This is one of Roger Ebert's "how it's about it" films (if you get the reference). There's a lot more depth to the film than what seems to exist on the surface. It's definitely not for those under-30 folks who seem to be lacking in attention span. No explosions or fires, and Schwarzenegger doesn't waltz onto the screen. Instead, it's a fascinating study of "environmental illness," and it provides no real answers to the questions it raises. Some have noted the film as "subversive," but it's also very entertaining (at least for those who appreciate cinema as an art form rather than simply a mindless escape). Demands a fair amount from the viewer, and is very rewarding for those willing to put something into the viewing experience. "Safe" has become one of my new favorites, and I wish I had seen it in the theater... some of the cinematography clearly demands large-screen viewing for the best possible experience.
Sometimes I think the word "safe" should be written as "reaf" -- a rearrangement of the letters in the word "fear." If you understand why I think this, you're likely to enjoy this film. 9/10.