Red State on Netflix

[Cracker Funk]

Ok, I want to see this film. But I've gotten the impression that it's a bit of a thriller/scary movie? Is that true? Because I can't handle scary stuff.

And please be honest or my lack of sleep will be on your hands.

Mostly, I agree with cameron's assessment, but with one exception. There is a scene that involves a ball-gag, saran-wrap, a gun, and a drawn-out human sacrifice. Meanwhile, two captives have to listen to the whole thing, while they try to free themselves, knowing that they are next. It's quite harrowing.

But then that's it. After that, it's a whole bunch of gunplay.

 

[cameronchapman]

Mostly, I agree with cameron's assessment, but with one exception. There is a scene that involves a ball-gag, saran-wrap, a gun, and a drawn-out human sacrifice. Meanwhile, two captives have to listen to the whole thing, while they try to free themselves, knowing that they are next. It's quite harrowing.

But then that's it. After that, it's a whole bunch of gunplay.

Agreed, though I still don't think it was really "scary". Maybe I'm just weird, though (okay, probably I'm just weird).

 

[knightly]

Just got done watching it... didn't like the cinematography that much, I see Kevin Smith, I expect more polished picture post at this point in his career... even with the less than studio stuff he was trying out for this one.

Everything else was outstanding in it, so I feel a little let down by the lack of polish on the picture itself. Definitely an interesting story line, but some of the plot choices left me a bit "Wish I could have that part of the storyline rewritten a bit." -- too indie, annoyed me -- had I known, I wouldn't have bothered watching as it was ultimately an unrewarding film for me due to those couple of choices. I liked Jersey Girl more than Red State.

 

[Cracker Funk]

Agreed, though I still don't think it was really "scary". Maybe I'm just weird, though (okay, probably I'm just weird).

You are a filmmaker. That means you are weird. We all are.

The scene in question, I agree with you that it's not anything like a look-out-there's-a-psycho-with-a-knife-behind-you jumpy/scary horror. I'd say "torturous" would best describe that scene. It's almost like torture-porn, but without the gratuitous gore.

 

[Dreadylocks]

Ok, we watched it last night. I'd say Cameron and CFunk, you guys were spot on in your description. It had a thriller feel to it but it wasn't exactly scary for me. Although I had to watch a few Halloween eps of Roseanne to get the vibe out of my head before bed

I thought the movie was pretty good, and although it's not the kind of thing I usually go for, I liked this particular theme on religion. The story was very 'indie,' and it wasn't the most interestingly shot. I also think Kevin Smith was trying to make it more dramatic and meaningful by

Spoiler

killing so many innocent characters

, but to me it ended up feeling like he just didn't care about coming up with a better resolution.

Things I liked about it? I thought the trumpet practical-joke was really funny. Good acting. And it was nice to spot a lot of TV actors I like from other shows (there were a handful from Treme, True Blood and Breaking Bad.)

Overall, the film has a very 'slice of life' feel, as if 'Lost in Translation' was about a fucked-up religious group. Might be fine for the 'art crowd,' but it's not my cup of tea.

C+