Tomo's new movie 'Eden Lake' : avoid

[cudas]

"Seriously though it's a film pretentious critics will hate before seeing it and a great performance from the lead "yob"."

Well, this pretentious critic hated it after I saw it! Spot on about O'Connell though. Mark Devenport, meanwhile, is in a new KwikFit advert that seems to be getting a lot of play. Good to see him in work. I predict Eden Lake will do so-so business at the UK box-office, but make a mint on DVD. Unfortunately.

[Gary]

Wasn't refering to you a pretentious critic at all, everyone has an opinion and that's a good and healthy thing, shitty world if we all thought the same.

I do feel the fact you think it's unfortunate it will do well on dvd is a shame though, everyone is entilted as are you to thier opinion and all films have a market and a fan base.

[cudas]

yeah, but there are so many more deserving movies out there that never find their audience. 'One For the Road' (see previous posts in this thread) being a prime example. I was only kidding about being pretentious by the way. Pretentious - moi?!

[Companero]

I went to see this tonight and really didn’t know what to expect, as the film’s reviews had varied so terrifically. I knew that it was going to be something I either loved or hated intensely but wasn’t prepared for anything like I was about to experience.

Though the film has the most simple of premises at its centre—beautiful young middle class couple become the quarry of a group of kids whose violent behaviour seemingly has no bounds—but writer/director James Watkins cranks up so much tension that the film becomes almost unbearable to endure. EDEN LAKE is, without doubt, the most violent film I have ever seen in the cinema. That said the film’s violence, while unflinching, is never gratuitous and is an essential element that allows the audience to sympathise with the protagonists and more importantly, understand that the aggressors—or at least their leader—know no limits. Many would criticise Watkins for merely tapping into the tabloid hysteria that surrounds knife crime in the UK today and the demonising of hoodies but EDEN LAKE is so much more; it’s that rare type of film that seems to channel the public’s fear du jour and apply it to an exploitation narrative, but manages to do it successfully. It may not be the most original film in the history of cinema—there were several times during the film that recalled either Wes Craven’s LAST HOUSE ON THE LEFT or one of its Italian rip-off pictures—but EDEN LAKE is a visceral, and more importantly, emotional rollercoaster ride of a film. It is completely unrelenting in its pacing and depiction of the depravity that human beings are capable of. It’s also the best fright picture to have come out of the UK in years.

[Tom]

I haven't seen this, and not being a fan of violent cinema, I doubt that I will. But it's interesting (as well as obvious) that they're taking the dreadful 'hoodies' stereotype and using it as a face for the villains. It's a par for the course to make monsters out of those we don't connect with (Deliverance, The Hills Have Eyes), and of course, it's in the public psyche already. You could say that Eden Lake is the film for the ad campaign that has been running on the front page of the Daily Mail for the last five years.

But whether or not it is tapping into amped up fears of skinny children in need of a good clip round the ear running rampage, Eden Lake sounds like a knock-off of too many other things. Of course, cinema doesn't have to be original, it has to be good. So it's interesting that people are talking about it's social commentary. Is Hostel a movie about back packing in Eastern Europe? Well, sort of... But we all know what it really is - an excuse to do horrible things to people for the sake of making the audience wince and cringe. If Eden Lake does that, it's gonna make money. It might not be admirable, but it's profitable, that's for sure.

Still doubt that I'll go see it, but it does seem like the filmmakers know what they're doing... And My Little Eye was horrible gorno. So not really inspired to check this one out on that basis alone.

[Companero]

Sept 15, 2008 12:14:41 GMT Tom said:

Eden Lake sounds like a knock-off of too many other things. Of course, cinema doesn't have to be original, it has to be good.

As I mentioned, it's not original but it's extremely effective; I certainly didn't second guess where the film was going and this is down to Watkins making it very clear that anything goes, very early on.

The violence really will put la ot of people off. At least six or seven people walked out of the cinema where i was watching the film, and there were few people sat in there to begin with. Like I mentioned above, while its depiction of violence is stark (and very realistic) it never seems to dwell on anything unnecessarily and much is left to the imagination (while much isn't!). My missus would never ave knowingly agreed to see a horror film as she's extremely squeamish and doesn't "enjoy" being scared. She only agreed to see it because the trailer we had seen very craftily packaged the film as a thriller, but she thought it was good too. The acting certainly elevates EDEN LAKE above similar of this type and both my wife and I had an emotional attachment to the central couple and were compelled to see the film through to find out what fate had in store for them.

[Tom]

I'm glad you've seen the merits beyond the violence. Incidentally, My Little Eye had very good performances, but for me, the the harshness of it all was offputting. I'd say that the director was very in control there, and evidently capable (and uncompromising). Hats of to them for bringing great performances out, but of course films that are extreme do find that audiences (and critics) will focus on the shocks first. They probably wanted that to be the case, but yeah, I prefer my horror to be of Shining ilk. Still, I'll always trust your opinion Comp, so if it is more than just aggression, great stuff. But it's put it's flag in the ground over the kind of film it is, and more than anything, kudos to them for achieving that. But definitely still not something I'd go see at the cinema. DVD possibly - if only for the extras and the thinking behind the decisions they made.

[Morell™]

Who is the director of this film? Is said person just mining the 'Shane Meadows talent gold mine' for his cast? I'm just wondering if Finn was coaxed out of an early retirement to be in this.

Everyone seems to have done very well of the back of Shane films. The actors have exposure and are getting call ups and the film makers don't have to talent scout just have a look through their 'This is Shane Meadows' boxed set and take their pick.

I'm not saying it's wrong. I'm just intrigued as to how these three former Shane protege's have turned up in the same film. Good on all three. Regardless of the films quality (or lack of).

[Companero]

Cheers, Tom. THE SHINING is my all time favourite film; a masterclass in fright filmmaking, as far as I'm concerned.

Although I can stomach violent images, I'm always weary of those that are made for the sake of out-doing the last; this practice seems to suggest that the filmmakers have nothing but contempt for an audience they believe to thrive on the nastiness they create. I've not seen MY LITTLE EYE, so I cannot comment on that, but be aware that Watkins was only involved in that film as a writer; I believe EDEN LAKE marks his directorial debut.

I'll definitely be after getting the film on DVD or Blu-ray when it comes out, providing there are some insightful extras included. It'll be great if Optimum can get Watkins and co in the recording booth for a commentary, as I would be interested to hear about what they think and learn their motivation for making the film.

[Davros]

I wasn't too fussed about seeing this, although Comps review has convinced me i'd like it. Its hard to say your a fan of violent cinema, but I suppose in a round about way I am.

There will always be a villain in any good vs evil film or the sort. So it has to evolve with the time, and would have inevitably fell upon chavvy bastards at some point. This doesnt even just extend to horror's either though does it, Rocky IV anyone. Suppose Its just a contemporary horror film.

So to it being 'social commentary' will Chavvy kids maybe see it as a documentary, and not bother turning up. And once we've rid the world of the little shits, it'll be completely irrelevant. Like camping, thanks to the bloody Blair Witch.

Talking of this genre of film though, Saw V. Im impressed there keeping up with this shit.. ive seen them all at the cinema so will be seeing this abomination.

[Companero]

Discounting them getting off on the quota of gore, there's not much in EDEN LAKE for your average knuckle-headed chav to enjoy in the film; it only really works in you invest in the characters and the way in which they try and deal with the situation. I couldn't think of anything worse that being powerless and stranded out in the middle of nowhere with my wife and outnumbered by a bunch of kids who are unable to comprehend the devastating effects of their actions.

[Tom]

In regards to Meadows alumni cast showing up... I had an interesting conversation with one of Shane's regular faces this morning, and without saying too much, you have to consider that the industry is very small in the UK, and agents have found a way to diversify. ICM often call the shots on 'names' being cast in a movie based upon one of their lesser-known cast getting in on the gig too.

As far as My Little Eye, yeah, I know he only wrote it, but you can see the director was certainly riffing on what was on the page. I wonder if this is any more extreme than that? My Little Eye was nasty.

[Companero]

[quote author=icharus board=general thread=2911 post=50016

As far as My Little Eye, yeah, I know he only wrote it, but you can see the director was certainly riffing on what was on the page. I wonder if this is any more extreme than that? My Little Eye was nasty.[/quote]

I should imagine that EDEN LAKE is worse, mate – bear in mind that the British Board of Film Classification has really evolved it's policy in the last few years and is more lenient now than it has ever been. Had the violence in MY LITTLE EYE been worse than that of EDEN LAKE when it was released in 2002 it would have been cut without question. Had EDEN LAKE been made back in the era of BBFC director James Ferman, it would have been cut extensively. Ferman made it clear on numerous occasions that he had a problem with what he termed "easily imitable violence" of which EDEN LAKE has in abundance. There's a classic example of a film that he banned outright--one that proceeded his lengthy tenure at the BBFC—called THE INCIDENT. Made in the late sixties (and looking very twee compared to the films of today) THE INCIDENT depicted two youths (one played by Martin Sheen) who terrorise a group of commuters on a New York City subway carriage. There were no particular scenes that caused concern, rather Ferman took issue with the whole concept of the film and rejected it for classification. Things have certainly come a long way since he stepped down.

[Kezz]

Sept 15, 2008 12:55:13 GMT Morell™ said:

Who is the director of this film? Is said person just mining the 'Shane Meadows talent gold mine' for his cast? I'm just wondering if Finn was coaxed out of an early retirement to be in this.

Everyone seems to have done very well of the back of Shane films. The actors have exposure and are getting call ups and the film makers don't have to talent scout just have a look through their 'This is Shane Meadows' boxed set and take their pick.

I'm not saying it's wrong. I'm just intrigued as to how these three former Shane protege's have turned up in the same film. Good on all three. Regardless of the films quality (or lack of).

Sept 15, 2008 13:15:59 GMT Tom said:

In regards to Meadows alumni cast showing up... I had an interesting conversation with one of Shane's regular faces this morning, and without saying too much, you have to consider that the industry is very small in the UK, and agents have found a way to diversify. ICM often call the shots on 'names' being cast in a movie based upon one of their lesser-known cast getting in on the gig too.
.

Yeah, I don't know how well regarded/well known 'The Workshop' is in the public eye.. but it (and most prominatly 'Ian Smith') is certainly the reason for the discovery of these actors.

Tomo aside, (no one else can take credit for finding him except Shane and that lovely scottish man)..
But from the people such as myself.. right the way upto your Jack O'connells, Finn Atkins, Toby Kebbells, Samantha Mortons, Joe Dempsies, Georgia Groomes, Andrew Shimms, Vicky Mcclures..

They all came from the Nottingham Group of The workshop..

Fair enough Agents play their parts eventually.. but many of the stuff you watch and talk about regually here.. me and the rest of the workshop have been up for.. and the workshop often acts as casting hotspot for the nation..

[cudas]

good to see such a debate, though I realise I'm at one particular end of it and there are others whose views are diametrically opposed. Nothing worse than cinematic consensus (apart from people who don't like 'Somers Town' of course).

Anyway, my full review is now finally online:
www.jigsawlounge.co.uk/film/content/view/865/1/