Saturday, January 28, 2006

The Movie High Tension, or in French - Haute Tension, Will Leave You Breathless With Your Mouth Open.


I visited my local video store tonight looking for a good movie to watch. I'd just seen the action movie "Transporter II" the night before and was highly entertained. The new clerk at the store was a character. The only way to describe him is to say that he's a person that you meet and then talk about later. Haunting with tatooed hands, monotone voice and no movement in his face when he talks. Yeah, Haunting. But when it comes to movies he's as knowledgeable as Siskell and Ebert, or whichever one of that duet that's still alive, the fat one I think. Anyways, this hauntingly knowledgeable video store clerk convinced me to rent the movie High Tension. For that suggestion I must give him my "clerk of the month" award. He told me the movie was a foreign movie that had been out since 2003. He'd said that the lead actress was a known French actress and very good. He knew the work of the director and special effects persons on the film and said it was the original French uncut version which is the best. When he said that the movie stays with you long after you've finished watching it I decided to rent it, even if it was in French with English subtitles as he'd led me to believe.

Once home I discover the movie has a choice of English or French language, a true suprise and treat. Naturally I chose English. I used the english subtitles just because of the french accents, and the fact that I didn't want to miss a thing. Well, five minutes into the movie I am given a visual effect that sets the tone for what would be a Fantastic Horror/Psychological Thriller movie.

Who would've thought that the French could make a movie in the horror genre that could blow away the latest horror from Hollywood? The movie was made on a low budget, compared to Hollywood prices, yet there was nothing cheap or lacking in this thriller. You'll find yourself immediately pulled into the story and the suspense will convincingly keep you pinned to your seat. I was guilty of rewinding scenes a few times just to get the rush again. Awesome! If you like horror or suspense you've gotta do yourself a favor and see this movie. The sounds, visuals, camera angles, actors and actresses all make you feel like you're in the movie and scared to death of what may happen next.

I'll be watching this movie again with friends tomorrow afternoon. What a way to start my offseason football Sundays by watching Horror at its best. The movie "High Tension" also pays tribute to horror movies of the past with some familiar yet refreshed horror props. Who would've thought that it would take the French to bring back that good ole horror of yesteryear. When the buildup in your head was scarier than all the blood in Hollywood. Hats off to the movie "High Tension" for being everything a horror movie should be and more. Rent it before someone tries to tell you about it and ruins the entire movie for you. I promise that you won't be disappointed.

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