Film Review: The Cell

Cases of serial killers can be sick as it is, but trying to analyze what could be going on in a killer's head can be a frightening and harrowing look into the face of evil itself.  The Cell is a film that traps its characters, and the audience, in the mind of such a killer.  Half of the film plays out like a pretty standard crime-thriller mystery, on a similar level to Silence of the Lambs.  The rest of The Cell, however, is a truly unique odyssey.

It can take a while to establish the initial plot points and concepts, but once the plot complications set in, the film dives into some very interesting and nightmarish territory.  With the premise of characters literally exploring the subconscious of a killer's mind, the film progresses through a number of unforgettable sequences that are vividly weird, surreal, and extravagant.  Some of the scenes are grungy and dark.  Others are flowery and artistic.  Most are freaky as hell.  All of it is something worth seeing and remembering.

The actual story is pretty simple, but it manages to cram in as much as it can, thanks largely to the association of imagery and symbols.  Characters aren't the high point necessarily, but the main villain shows a lot of psychological depth that makes him stand out the most, for better or for worse.

This film uses very stylish and awesome photography and editing, including a lot of unique camera angles and unusual movements.  Acting is okay:  it can be a bit hard to take Vince Vaughn or Jennifer Lopez seriously, but I think Vincent D'Onofrio was the best of the lot.  Writing is generally okay.  This production uses some extremely extravagant and imaginative sets, props, costumes, and special effects.  Howard Shore's score is noisy and weird, for better or for worse.

The Cell is a trippy experience.  It has a cool plot that predates Inception, but it's probably most memorable for its far-out images and its freaky exploration of a psychopath's subconscious.  If you think you can handle it, it's certainly recommended.

4.5/5 (Experience:  Very Good | Story:  Good | Film:  Very Good)