Review by Doc Byron
Allow me to begin this film review with a warning; this is not a review of the 2008 film of the same name {remake}. But a review on it’s predecessor, the original film, an Asian gem made back in 2004.
I first viewed the 2008 version recently at the local theatre, then, with it still fresh in my mind, borrowed the Asian version and watched it as soon as I walked in the door.
I ended up liking the Asian version more.
It falls neatly into the so-called techno-ghost subgenre. Whereas Ringu {filmed as The Ring by Gore Verbinski} had it’s haunted videos, and One Missed Call had it’s cell phones, Shutter dwells on the art of photography. Specifically, the rumored phenomenon of ‘’spirit photography,” in which ghosts are supposedly and accidentally caught on film. This film also, of course, takes things from the ‘’venegful ghost” angle.
The plot is simple, yet complex; after a night of heavy drinking, a professional photographer is inadvertently involved in a fatal accident, in which a young woman is killed. In a blind panic, he and his new girlfriend leave the scene without so much as a call for an ambulance. The next day, he shoots a roll of film to see the entire roll is spoiled, by strange shadows and eerie faces in the backgrounds.
Quickly dismissing the chance of a physical explanation, he realizes with terrifying clarity he is being haunted.
Okay, so the setup sounds vaguely familiar. I will admit that. But, this film actually rises above the level of most other recent Asian horror-rip offs.
How, you ask?
Well, for one thing, the budget for this film was much lower than it’s competitors, and the director used this as an advantage, concentrating on tight editing, plenty of solid ‘’jump” moments, and enough generally creepy atmosphere to keep your ass glued to your seat.
Unpacking the main jolt of the film would spoil one of the most beautifully unsettling closing images that I have seen in years, so I will stop here. Except to say this; rent this version first. Then, go watch the remake.
This is simply no comparison whatsoever.
My rating: 4 stars {out of 5}
