The concept of this film is enough to engage – partly because it has the "one line" simplicity that can make for a great idea but also it poses the question, beyond how will Paul get out of his coffin, quite how are they going to make a 90 minute film out of one actor alone in the dark. This question is all the more relevant when one considers that, no offence, the "one actor" is Ryan Reynolds – who at times in other projects seemed like the only way he would be the best actor in a film was if he was the only actor in the film.
All questions are answered though in this flawed film that is engaging in the concept even if some of the delivery is rather heavy-handed, political or just stretched. First and foremost the film is brave in holding to the central idea – it never leaves the coffin and it is well shot to create enough space for the viewer in there, but not to surrender the idea of how confined it all it. Opening with no dialogue and a dark screen for a long period of time is a good start and it mostly holds to this idea as the viewer is stuck with him and very aware of his desperation. This aspect is never done wrong. How to fill the time then? Well there is a mobile with limited battery and for the most part the action outside comes through here, with the film taking Paul through anger, pleading, hope, despair, hope again only to leave him with death and the viewer with a depressing but memorable ending. Again this as a journey is engaging and affecting – it is just how the film does it where the problems come in.
The politicking feel to it is my first problem. OK it is not overly heavy (some of it could be explained away as creating tension or drama) but there is an air of condemnation for being in Iraq and a sense that perhaps we (Paul) were not fully prepared for the reality of it. Secondly there is a real heavy and unrealistic dig at Paul's employers as with his last bar of battery life (which seems to last longer than the other 80% of the battery) he is informed of his dismissal so the company can save money on insurance after his death; OK again it fills time and creates a feeling in the audience but it doesn't ring true and it seems heavily done. On a non-political side, the fire and the snake are a bit stretched but again they do create a bit of drama and fill time. The ending is harsh but effective as we have our hopes raised that the cavalry will literally save the day, only to have one last twist that will leave you feeling like you have been kicked in the stomach.
Much to my surprise Reynolds does a great job. He holds the screen without having to rely on his good looks or body. Previously I have only really enjoyed him for his jock wit but here he had me convinced as he went through the cycle of fear, anger, pleading, acceptance and hope. It was a really great performance in a small indie film. Paterson's voice is well used, he sounds realistic and works well with Reynolds. Tobolowsky does sound like a man who sits behind a desk sees names as liabilities and cost rather than people.
Overall Buried is a brave indie movie in concept but being "different" doesn't mean it is brilliant (I think some love it for what it is rather than what it does). The central idea is engaging and it is well enough executed to keep the viewer held even if some of the stuff that fills the time can be unconvincing or rather heavy-handed in terms of political comment.
All questions are answered though in this flawed film that is engaging in the concept even if some of the delivery is rather heavy-handed, political or just stretched. First and foremost the film is brave in holding to the central idea – it never leaves the coffin and it is well shot to create enough space for the viewer in there, but not to surrender the idea of how confined it all it. Opening with no dialogue and a dark screen for a long period of time is a good start and it mostly holds to this idea as the viewer is stuck with him and very aware of his desperation. This aspect is never done wrong. How to fill the time then? Well there is a mobile with limited battery and for the most part the action outside comes through here, with the film taking Paul through anger, pleading, hope, despair, hope again only to leave him with death and the viewer with a depressing but memorable ending. Again this as a journey is engaging and affecting – it is just how the film does it where the problems come in.
The politicking feel to it is my first problem. OK it is not overly heavy (some of it could be explained away as creating tension or drama) but there is an air of condemnation for being in Iraq and a sense that perhaps we (Paul) were not fully prepared for the reality of it. Secondly there is a real heavy and unrealistic dig at Paul's employers as with his last bar of battery life (which seems to last longer than the other 80% of the battery) he is informed of his dismissal so the company can save money on insurance after his death; OK again it fills time and creates a feeling in the audience but it doesn't ring true and it seems heavily done. On a non-political side, the fire and the snake are a bit stretched but again they do create a bit of drama and fill time. The ending is harsh but effective as we have our hopes raised that the cavalry will literally save the day, only to have one last twist that will leave you feeling like you have been kicked in the stomach.
Much to my surprise Reynolds does a great job. He holds the screen without having to rely on his good looks or body. Previously I have only really enjoyed him for his jock wit but here he had me convinced as he went through the cycle of fear, anger, pleading, acceptance and hope. It was a really great performance in a small indie film. Paterson's voice is well used, he sounds realistic and works well with Reynolds. Tobolowsky does sound like a man who sits behind a desk sees names as liabilities and cost rather than people.
Overall Buried is a brave indie movie in concept but being "different" doesn't mean it is brilliant (I think some love it for what it is rather than what it does). The central idea is engaging and it is well enough executed to keep the viewer held even if some of the stuff that fills the time can be unconvincing or rather heavy-handed in terms of political comment.