As
a mystery, this new thriller isn't very involving but as a character study and
look into a bizarre lifestyle, it's quite interesting at times.
Nicolas
Cage is a private investigator hired to determine if a snuff film (a film in which
a victim is murdered on camera) is real or not. While delving into the strange
underworld of hardcore porn and fetishes, he meets an odd assortment of eccentric
characters including a lively Joaquin Phoenix (To Die For, Clay Pigeons).
Cage
is solid in a character that was slightly underwritten and Phoenix is very effective
as a musician cum porn salesman. The film also includes strong supporting performances
from James Gandolfini (HBO's The Sopranos, Get Shorty) and Peter Stormare (Fargo,
The Lost World). Catherine Keener (Your Friends And Neighbors) falls flat as Cage's
constantly worrying wife--a poorly written role that is completely unnecessary.
8
mm was directed by Joel Schumacher (Batman Forever) and written by Andrew Kevin
Walker (Seven) and as you probably guessed, it aspires to be atmospherically dark.
Surprisingly, it's not that shocking. Much of the film feels processed and never
reaches the heights of David Cronenberg's Crash or Paul Verhoeven's Basic Instinct,
nor does it match the sheer intensity of Anthony Waller's Mute Witness. Schumacher's
direction is slow-paced with minimal amounts of intensity and many obvious cinematic
ploys (watch for the pentagram).
8
mm does give insight into what might make an average man commit horrible acts.
It also succeeds in demonstrating that a murderer might be the guy next door.
In that aspect, this film is quite scary; however, it's still not enough to recommend.
Ultimately, the idea of the film is better than the finished product.
