jmhyrczyk Reviews

Housekeeping (II) (2015)

Much more than a horror film

[10/10 · 5 April 2016]

Housekeeping pushes the boundaries of cinema. While telling a relatively simple story involving a medical student who was to bail out her brother, the director uses a complex visual and auditory language to put the viewer into the main character's POV.

The style is reminiscent of the work of the great Tony Scott and Danny Boyle. Housekeeping is extremely impressive considering it's the director's first feature, clearly made with limited means. It's thrilling to see a young director so invested in experimenting with the aesthetics of cinema. We can only hope that Jennifer Harrington goes on to make bigger movies and we can look back on Housekeeping as her version of Christopher Nolan's Following or Gus Van Sant's Mala Noche, which are both no-budget first features.

At the same time, Housekeeping is fascinating examination of themes of class and race in Los Angeles. But, it's never heavy-handed and in fact, is quite scary at times! I cannot recommend this movie enough! It's a must-see.

Dark Mountain (2013)

Scary, smart and sophisticated

[9/10 · 2 September 2014]

Dark Mountain is beautifully directed and filmed, it really took me by surprise. This isn't another nauseating, shaky-cam mess. There are a lot of terrific shots and brilliantly edited moments -- especially, the opening montage as the characters drive to the Superstition Mountains. The glitches that periodically disrupt the footage are also particularly effective.

When the characters arrive at the mountains, a growing sense of unease builds. Soon, they are lost, confused and frightened. The actors are all well-cast and give strong performances -- their descent into hysteria and madness is completely believable.

Dark Mountain is terrifying and thrilling, with memorable scares. Highly recommended.