#NowWatching SESSION 9 (2001) dir. Brad Anderson
“Tensions rise within an asbestos cleaning crew as they work in an abandoned mental hospital with a horrific past that seems to be coming back.”
@Apocryphiliac I LOVE that movie. Lots of tension and an underlying feeling like everything's wrong. I also like how the characters reacted like I imagine I would in that situation.
@Virtualk The thing that stood out to me this time I watched it was the editing. You mentioned how the tension builds—the editing in the climax is so complex, because it’s all coming to a head, and like you said, too, the characters all seem shady (especially the Caruso and Mullan characters) so the speed and complexity that things unfold at is really effective, and given the space they’re operating in (lots of tight corridors) although the camera movement is important, the editing is key! 1/2
@Virtualk and while it never really has the space to become quite a full-fledged mystery, you’re just trying to untangle what exactly is happening, so the reveal feels almost obvious and like, “oh of course!” but in a good way. Love the themes and performances in it, obviously the shooting location is incredible. Poor nephew. All he wanted was some Oreos. And poor Larry Fessenden/McManus, he didn’t even get to shuck fiber. 😂
@Virtualk I wonder what the present status of this movie is among fans and audiences. It seemed to have came and went without a lot of fanfare, but I feel like it’ll be a cult classic eventually, if it’s not yet.
@Apocryphiliac You make a great point about the editing. That was pivotal in ratcheting up the tension - tied with the atmosphere of close, tight shots to make you feel claustrophobic.
Now I need to watch it again!