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| The Black Phone movie |
We usually find in horror films where the hero is a serial killer, as in the
case of psychopaths, some reference to the suffering that this hero incurred
during his childhood and contributed to turning him into a ferocious monster
with fangs and claws. This approach helps humanize these killers, and at times
gives the victims clues to sympathize with their tormentors. But it's not like
The Black Phone, and that's the first point of its uniqueness as a horror
movie.
Director Scott Derrickson does the exact opposite; by stripping his hero, The
Grabber (Ethan Hawke) of his past; We don't know anything about his childhood,
and everything that the movie reveals, indirectly, indicates that we are in
front of a completely normal person.
And the horror of the case is that we are faced with violence for which we do
not know a cause or an end, and we do not know for sure what prompted The
Grabber to perform these horrible acts, all we see is a frightening mask and
an angry man whose behavior cannot be explained.
To my mind, the emphasis on the ordinariness of this killer was intentional;
You are faced with a man who uses standard tools to kidnap children, then
traps them in his basement, where he lives and hides in the suburbs
undetected, despite multiple search efforts by the police and the people of
suburban Denver.
The Grabber's house is also quite ordinary, and besides his basement, there is
nothing to indicate the man's sinister nature. Finally, The Grabber has a
brother living with him, completing the image of an ordinary human whose
visible life is devoid of any hint of potential violence. In short, The
Grabber is someone who can pass us by on the street without ever realizing
that there is a wolf in sheep's clothing.
Part of the killer's puzzle lies behind the fact that his evil is irreparable,
and has no aim or purpose other than violence.
The story of the movie The Black Phone.. a wolf in sheep's clothing
In 2012, actor Ethan Hawke and director Scott Derrickson collaborated on the
film "Sinister", which is also a horror movie.
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| The story of The Black Phone |
The film, based on a short story by "Joe King", son of Stephen King of the
same name, takes place in 1978 when serial child kidnapper The Grabber (Ethan
Hawke) roams the streets of a Denver suburb.
Two children Finney (Mason Thames) and sister Gwen (Madeleine McGraw) confront
not only The Grabber's horrific and violent behavior but also the abuse of
their alcoholic father, as well as the bullying of their classmates.
One day, Vinnie is kidnapped by The Grabber, who hid him in a soundproof
basement. As tragic as their circumstances are, they play a big role in the
movie - their story is the most humane narrative line in The Black Phone - as
the two children decide to take care of the abusive parent, not to mention
that Gwen will lead the police investigation into finding her brother. Lost in
the basement of The Grabber's house.
In the basement there is a black phone - hence the name of the movie and
perhaps the story it is taken from - The Grabber says that it never worked,
but the boy Finney starts receiving calls from previous victims who not only
want Finney to escape from his executioner's captivity but also want him to
avenge them for their This hangman.
Stylistically, the film is nostalgic, reminiscent of vintage photos and the
era of striped kids' T-shirts and flared jeans, as warm browns, oranges, and
filtered light floods the screen. But this charming suburb of the 1970s is
spoiled by Derrickson's horror.
The truth is that "The Black Phone" is not just a horror movie, but it is also
a well-made work that does not underestimate the intelligence of the viewer.
The film does not aim to present supernatural ideas, but rather puts its mark
on providing a compelling and disturbing story. You could also say that the
movie is an epic of wit and resilience disguised as a serial killer.
Buoyed by emotional performance in most action, "The Black Phone" outperforms
its competitors; Through some crucial and nuanced nuances, such as the
emphasis on showing the serial killer in surveys of a perfectly normal human
being, as we have indicated before.
Although blood is secondary to the story; As we don't find much mutilation and
shredding, the development of the characters, especially that of The Grabber
and the child Finney, ranks first, although the film does not neglect the
excitement in any way.
In The Black Phone, the villain is unpredictable
The Grabber (Ethan Hawke) shows off his masterful ways in this film, a
volatile and unpredictable villain who expertly tiptoes the line between agile
youth and depravity.
With a mask that covers the lower half of his face for most of the movie,
Ethan Hawke's acting relies on body language and the emotional sparkle in his
eyes, and although he's been reluctant to play the villain, Hawke pulls it off
perfectly.
Defend yourself, hero!
Derrickson and Cargill do an excellent job establishing the world of a
suburban Denver in the 1970s before the horrific accident caused by Hook.
Vinnie is soon established as a character who can't stand up for herself;
Which is why the script forces him down a path where he must learn how to do
it. After running into The Grabber, who suddenly stumbles and falls claiming
to be a wizard, Vinnie is kidnapped and locked in a basement with a bed and a
phone hanging on the wall.
From here, The Black Phone is on an ominous path; It combines a suspenseful
survival story with supernatural elements. The plot, unsettling musical notes,
and sound design complement the never-ending sense of awe; Where Vinny is
placed in a situation where he must find sanctuary.
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