Monster making on a budget
Douglas Skelton • Published 22 Apr 2011 11:30
MONSTERS (Magnolia Home Entertainment)
Made on the kind of budget that might just cover a Hollywood production's toilet roll provision, this British flick from writer/director/cameraman/special effects guru (and I'm sure he swept up after they left, too) Gareth Edwards is a brave attempt.
The storyline centres on the attempts by American photographer Scoot McNairy (that's the actor's name, folks. No, couldn't believe it myself but there you are) to escort rich -and of course, babelicious - Whitney Able back to the States from Mexico.
The problem is, between them and the homeland is a no-go area 'infected' by alien creatures which the military is doing its best to slaughter.
And basically, that's the the plot.
Using a supporting cast of non-actors - mostly locals - the movie is a road movie with a bit of alien menace thrown in.
Naturally, not everything is as it seems but I won't spoil things by giving away the ending.
Designed as an antidote to mainstream genre flicks, the film has been described as 'an art house monster movie'. And therein lies the problem for mainstream audiences - it may be just a tad dull for fans of the likes of 'Cloverfield'. There are intermittent bursts of action and meance but perhaps not enough.
The alien invasion is a metaphor for immigration here but if you are looking for a science fiction flick with a social message that it also a slam-bang action flick then you might be better seeking out 'District 9'.
The creatures are well-realised, especially when you think that no expense was actually spent. It just shows you hat with a wee bit of cash, a lot of know-how and imagination you can actually put the show on right here.
If you like your movies just that wee bit different and are a fan of independent guerrilla-style feature film making, then 'Monsters' is definitely one to look out for.
This article appeared in Cumnock Chronicle 22 Apr 11
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