Review of the Movie Open Water
We saw it last night and I give it a solid "B". I'm not much for movie reviews, but here goes.
WARNING: This review may reveal more about the movie than you'd like before seeing it. If you don't know what happened to the couple -- stop reading now.
The movie does have that "Blair Witch" feel- all shot with a handheld digital camera. The actors are unknowns and the story is really simple. This being said, I thought it had an authentic script and the actors seemed to be a real couple. Their bickering came across as somewhat real and at times funny - providing some comic relief in a wicked scenario.
The movie builds on a personal look into the lives of the characters, who are seen packing for the trip, arriving on the boat, and being counted with all the other divers. Then, after they dive in, the story shows how the count of divers got off- giving the crew the impression everyone was there when the boat leaves them.
The introduction gives the audience some nice context, but it seemed a bit long. I wanted to go directly to the water and to them dealing with the sharks. In this way, the movie is a bit of a let down in a Jaws-type sense. I think many of us have become dependent on dramatic events to cap off scenes where people are left alone in the water with sharks. Instead, the movie focuses not on the bites or the single life-ending jerk from below, but on the process of succumbing to certain death over time.
I went in expecting a horrific look at what it would be like to see a partner violently pulled under by a shark, never to be seen again. Instead, I left with an image of the female character's face as she slowly realizes that there is only one way out.
We both awoke today having dreamed about and thought of the movie- and any movie that does that to us is one that we applaud.
I concur with much of your synopsis of the movie, especially about wanting to get right into the water, although I never expected anything Jaws-like, and thus perhaps wasn't disappointed in the way that many filmgoers have expressed. The movie really is about so much more than sharks. Here's my own personal review:
Disturbing ... in a good way
As I left the theatre, I didn't know what to think of this movie. Thing is, I've been thinking about it ever since. Yes, it's one of those films that doesn't let go of your psyche. The digital film shots (particularly "on land") are not superb, the initial storyline is just okay, but the impact of "hours" in the open water is amazing. My gut was churning with anticipation the entire length of the film. The movie has a very real sensibility to it. It doesn't portray the characters as perfect, nor the sharks as demons, nor is there a typical Hollywood ending. Rather, the ending is fabulous, abrupt, harrowing, and calm all at once. And while the true story will likely never be known, this film demonstrates a scenario that is horrifying ... not necessarily because there are sharks involved, but because the human condition is unpredictable, and we often have less control over our destiny than we think. A definite mental and emotional thriller.
i went to see the movie saturday and today is monday. i really liked the movie cuz it was unexpectedly exciteing and will really make u jump all my friends liked it to for all of the same reosons i did i am really glad you made such a movie.
thank you for a ll the entertainment u put into it it mustve talken a lot of time to accomplish
sincererly,
Mercedes Wilson (big fan of the movie: open water)
Hmm. Mercedes, I did put a lot of time into making the movie and I'm glad you liked it. You might also enjoy my other films:
Gone with the Wind
Wizard of OZ
Jaws
ET
CaddyShack
Dead Poet's Society
;)
I also think Open Water was horrible. I don't think there was one peson in the whole theatre who thought it was worth the money they paid to see it. The filming was awful to begin with, it looked as if it was a home video. The ending also was awful. I expected someone to live, how did they get the story?
Comment by: Jessie September 3, 2004 09:23 PMI'd read about this movie and the true story it was based on and so I looked forward to seeing it... by myself since all my friends thought I was nuts.
The movie did remind me of Blair Witch, not just for the video-feel, but also the idea that succumbing to one's own fears and weaknesses is more terrifying and inevitable than the "real" monsters.
The last ten minutes of the movie were harrowing and tragic. The final image of Susan (?) making her decision will stay in my mind for a while.
Nice job by the two actors, by the way, who were believably normal in an abnormal situation. And the sharks! Good grief. I love the ocean but I will contiue to have a healthy fear and respect of it after this movie.
Comment by: shimi September 6, 2004 05:02 PMMy reaction after I saw "open water"? Well, at least I was able to get a glimpse that night of the cute blonde chick behind the candy counter:-)
Comment by: Benny September 7, 2004 01:29 AM