Ryan Reynolds stars in the high concept thriller, Buried.
But can a film set in one location, with just one actor possibly sustain our interest?
Sometime around the mid 1980s, the phrase high concept became intertwined with a certain punch in of blockbuster.
No cut-aways, no flashbacks.Buriedis resolute in keeping us boxed in.
Aside from voices on the other end of a mobile phone, its just Reynolds.
there are no Thurman-style heroics, no superhuman feats of strength.
When he wakes up in an early grave, he screams like you or I would.
Buriedis confined, but it has visual tricks and elaborate camera moves in spades.
If theres a drawback to all this, its thatBurieddoesnt feel as claustrophobic as its premise would suggest.
WhereThe Descentmade you squirm, Cortes film makes you want to take a bath.
Its more dirty and grimy than nightmarish.
Yet, it still has plenty to keep you in your seat.
Phone calls from his kidnapper pile upon the misery, aSaw-like tormentor pulling his strings.
And its inside the box thatBurieds real treasure is to be found.
Yet, theres something new here, a vulnerability that you dont often see in a Hollywood leading man.
Buriedis thrilling because it feels terrifyingly real and close.
And unlike most films that start with a great idea, it has an ending to match.
Hitchcock would be proud.
Rating:
4 out of 5
