REC (2007)

Posted by Movie_Maven

July 27, 2009 |

I had thought I wanted to see 2008’s “Quarantine” but after reading terrible review after terrible review I sought the original on which it is based - Spain’s “REC” (2007). The premise of the film is a television crew that accompanies a local fire station for the evening as they respond to a call of an elderly woman who was screaming from an apartment building. However, once everyone is inside, the story becomes even all the more strange.

Apparently, some unknown virus has infected several of the tenants (the origin, turning them into overly-aggressive, violent folk and the origin of said virus remains virtually unknown until well into the story (I am trying not to give too much away.) While I am a huge fan of foreign language films and do not mind subtitles, I know Mr_Movie_Maven was a bit put off.

The film was shot entirely from the point of view of Pablo, the cameraman, and, as such, had that shaky, hand-held effect first popularized by “The Blair Witch Project” and “Cloverfield” - both horrible, in my opinion; however, this film was significantly better despite the seemingly haphazard final amalgamation of plot points. The acting was adequate and was enjoyable.

Running a short 75 minutes (more like a documentary), I honestly cannot provide enough accolades to the filmmakers. Far too often, movies of this genre, particularly those shot in this style, are laden with beautiful, perfect actors where “Rec” utilized real people and created a creepy air of which I am a fan.

Despite the bad reviews, I now wish to see “Quarantine” (2008) and compare the two.