Juan Antonio Bayona's "El Ofanato" has received much praise and critical acclaim. International horror and supernatural films seem to consistently succeed where mainstream Hollywood fail. This is mainly due to the fact that films such as "The Orphanage" are made by people that believe in their products and love the medium and genre.
"El Orfanato" stars Belén Rueda as Laura, as a woman who returns to the orphanage where she stayed as a child. She, along with her Doctor husband (Fernando Cayo) plan to turn it into a home for disabled children. Her young son, who has HIV, spends his time playing with imaginary friends. It soon becomes apparent that these friends may not be imaginary and may have a sinister purpose.
Screenwriter Sergio Sánchez produces a modern twist to the classic ghost story which builds an atmosphere of tension, punctuated by disturbing shocks. The film is not excessively violent but has a few unpleasant scenes that may make you flinch. It touches on several classic themes such as the stigma of deformity and the cruelty of children. The ambiance and escalating disquiet is greatly enhanced by a suitably gothic production design, innovative cinematography and jarring sound effects.
Guillermo del Toro success has played a part in influencing Bayona. Alejandro Amenábar's "The Others" and the work of Alfred Hitchcock also spring to mind. Yet this still stands up as an innovative and fresh work in it's own right. This is the second film I've seen this year that has an ending that is quite radical and not necessarily what the viewers may have expected. It is certainly not a Hollywood ending. I thoroughly recommend "El Ofanato". Watch it late at night, with the lights down and enjoy a creepy and disturbing supernatural tale that deserves the reputation it's gained.
XoD.
http://www.jenniferhunter.co.uk
2008-06-09 @ 22:53