Ti West is a challenging artist to discuss at times because
his films do not shy away from taking their time and being stylized. Not quite
art-house horror seems to turn some people off and it is a shame because there
is some wonderful cinema in there to take in. Lacking dependency on traditional
film-making, as a viewer, opens the door to so many wonderful films.
A perfect example is 2009’s House of the Devil. A
film rich in suspense, throwback subject matter and visual presentation,
understated acting, and excellent cinematography are just a few of the reasons
I love this film. HOWEVER, when this movie is mentioned the frequent dismissive
review is: “it’s a slow burn”. Which is my main point of this post as opposed
to waxing West’s car some more (listen to the episode, there is plenty of
praise).
The term “slow burn” is synonymous with “I get bored easily”
or “I cannot focus on a film”. Since when, did we as fans or critics punish a
filmmaker for making an intelligent movie? Yes, House of the Devil does
not hit you over the head with gratuitous sex, nudity, violence, and partying;
but it does deliver steadily throughout and I think that’s what has become
frustrating with the opinions held by many of today’s movie-goers. I find great
storytelling in movies (like this) where my own intelligence is assumed to be
present for much of the storyline so that we can focus on the artistic needs of
the film. I can deduce the elements of the plot that are being put out there
without an explanation through dialogue, move along.
I was enamored with this film the first time I watched it
and quite frankly still am. So I get a little exhausted defending against the
sentiment of it being slow. Maybe the films aren’t always slow, maybe the
viewers are. Put down your phone, leave your laptop in the other room, and get
into the movie or just don’t bother “watching” it at all. Until next time…..
Beware the moon
The Professor
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