In the October update, I claimed that I am not a fan of the horror genre. However, certain horror films do pull me further into the genre, making me want to explore it more. The Host is a film that transcends the use of constant jump-scares by using many different horror conventions. This film struck me with its mixture of different techniques used to creep out the audience, but also to help them connect to the characters. The main characters work very well together to form a dysfunctional family that must unite to save one of its members. The difference in characters gives the film a comedic value at times, while staying in the horror genre. Personally, I thought that the use of comedy and drama created a more well-rounded horror film.
Like most horror films, the soundtrack created a lot of the tension, while adding a dramatized storyline. The music shifts from themes that could be heard in a Hitchcock film to dense string melodies. The tenser music helps the director to create the creepy monster, while helping add to the audience's fear. Yet, the string melodies add the emotion for the film. Overall, Byung-woo Lee adds the right kind of music at the exact right times.
A lot of the camerawork gives the audience a view of a more terrifying world in which monsters and viruses are on the loose. In one scene, the camera angle is tilted to the side, creating an unstable and uncomfortable feeling. Also, slow motion is used often to create more tensity as the audience tries to catch up with the quick sea-monster. The one thing I didn't like about the film is the actual monster. To me, the model seemed really fake and lame. I expected to see a bigger creature terrorizing the giant crowd of people at the beginning. Maybe I am just too used to modern special effects though.
The Bottom Line: This film uses an odd grouping of characters, differing music selections, and creative camerawork in order to keep the story going at a good pace.
Score: 8.5/10
Like most horror films, the soundtrack created a lot of the tension, while adding a dramatized storyline. The music shifts from themes that could be heard in a Hitchcock film to dense string melodies. The tenser music helps the director to create the creepy monster, while helping add to the audience's fear. Yet, the string melodies add the emotion for the film. Overall, Byung-woo Lee adds the right kind of music at the exact right times.
A lot of the camerawork gives the audience a view of a more terrifying world in which monsters and viruses are on the loose. In one scene, the camera angle is tilted to the side, creating an unstable and uncomfortable feeling. Also, slow motion is used often to create more tensity as the audience tries to catch up with the quick sea-monster. The one thing I didn't like about the film is the actual monster. To me, the model seemed really fake and lame. I expected to see a bigger creature terrorizing the giant crowd of people at the beginning. Maybe I am just too used to modern special effects though.
The Bottom Line: This film uses an odd grouping of characters, differing music selections, and creative camerawork in order to keep the story going at a good pace.
Score: 8.5/10
