Pontypool is one of the few movies, I've ever watched, been absolutely amazed with (most of it) and then read the writer and director's comments in interviews and was at a loss. So much so, it changed my view of it. This in no way is meant to take away from Stephen McHattie's brilliant performance in the lead role.
While I realize the film takes place in Canada, I felt throughout that this was a strong social commentary on how talk radio and media in general has created so much hysteria that anything is possible. I felt, like War of the Worlds, this film was entirely about hysteria created by the spoken word, which, because the movie was made in 2008, coincided with the ending of one administration and the true rise of power for cable news. There were other things, I won't bore you with, like the plays on words, the anagrams and a few others, but this is where I was let down. I read the interviews and comments and absolutely none of this was intentional. In fact, the entire idea was a three part trilogy that would look much more into the lives of those affected, well infected.
Don't get me wrong, for a good hour, it's about as good as I've seen, but the finale is just plain silly. The acting falls apart and a little digging allows you to find out why. I also thought that the scene after the credits let in a little insight, but once again, after reading the reason for it, it too was a big let down. I really just wish the movie went in one of about twenty different directions in the last 15-20 minutes. It seems like everyone simply bailed on a brilliant idea, because they wanted to leave open the chance for a sequel. Finding out that was the only thing they planned, was a true letdown.
While I realize the film takes place in Canada, I felt throughout that this was a strong social commentary on how talk radio and media in general has created so much hysteria that anything is possible. I felt, like War of the Worlds, this film was entirely about hysteria created by the spoken word, which, because the movie was made in 2008, coincided with the ending of one administration and the true rise of power for cable news. There were other things, I won't bore you with, like the plays on words, the anagrams and a few others, but this is where I was let down. I read the interviews and comments and absolutely none of this was intentional. In fact, the entire idea was a three part trilogy that would look much more into the lives of those affected, well infected.
Don't get me wrong, for a good hour, it's about as good as I've seen, but the finale is just plain silly. The acting falls apart and a little digging allows you to find out why. I also thought that the scene after the credits let in a little insight, but once again, after reading the reason for it, it too was a big let down. I really just wish the movie went in one of about twenty different directions in the last 15-20 minutes. It seems like everyone simply bailed on a brilliant idea, because they wanted to leave open the chance for a sequel. Finding out that was the only thing they planned, was a true letdown.
Never look behind the curtain!
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