I like the concept of this movie a lot. Searching for the book of the devil — count me in! I just felt the overall execution was a little tame. The “suspense” scenes weren’t really all that suspenseful. The way they staged some of the “action” scenes were just kind of awkward. And the pacing in the 3rd act was weird. Never seen to really hit that final stride like most thrillers do. The very very end though was pretty interesting imo.
There was a nice element of mystery throughout though and I enjoyed the book comparing scenes. It’s fun investigating with the lead character. But overall it just felt a little too tame. Felt like Johnny Depp’s character could have had more of an arc. Depp realllllly underplays it. Maybe too much so imo.
Still enjoyed the ride but just wish it was more suspenseful. Wouldn’t mind seeing a Fincher-like remake of this movie.
I have to agree with some comments here. This movie really captured my attention and created quite a thrilling atmosphere.
But especially towards the end I felt some disappointment because I had expected something more mysterious, just MORE anyway. Plus, I've watched it again since and (contrary to other movies) seeing it again did not change my mind.
I just revisited this for the first time in 19 years. When I first watched it I deemed it one of the worst movies ever made. It's not, but it's so dumb. What a terrible movie. Very little drive and the ending is so unsatisfying. I don't hate it, I just hate that it's liked. It's not a good movie.
It's lukewarm. It has its good moments but just when you think the movie is heating up, it dies down again. It had potential. It also leaves you with unanswered questions, which I hate. Not Depp's finest. But still worth a watch.
There's a unfortunate lack of tension and scares in this supernatural thriller from Roman Polanski - although the concept and the performances are all good - the demonic sects, the evil contained within old books and the sense of a mystery slowly unravelling all add to some palpable atmosphere - somehow it doesn't all come together. The most dramatic moments end up seeming shrill and silly, and the final scene is extremely disappointing, but if you are a bibliophile, interested in the occult (or just a fan of Johnny Depp) there are definitely things here to enjoy.
I was not expecting the scene at the end. I think it shocked me, actually. But I like that so much of this movie was about books, because I love books.
On my second rewatch I upped this film half a star. It's genuinely pretty entertaining, and I think the first time that I saw it, I wasn't quite expecting such a "commercial" film. I think I was right on the tail end of finishing Venus in Fur in fact, so I was looking for something more... art-house.
At any rate, this film is highly entertaining, a slow burning thriller, the type that Polanski is so damn good at.
As always, beautiful, beautiful sets, lighting, and camera work.
I have no idea why people say that Depp was miscast, I thought he was fantastic.
The first 20 minutes or so really encapsulated the dark and gritty nature of the film. When Depp's character was assigned his task, I felt the excitement oozing out of me. The plot was really interesting and intriguing, and the director was able to keep a very consistent pace that did not downplay the severity of what was going on or what was about to happen! Very glad I decided to watch this, I was randomly flicking through something to watch and boy was this a treat!
This film reminded me a little of some of the classic british horror films about satanic cults but is more of a thriller because much of the more supernatural parts are downplayed. I did think setting it in the world of book collecting was a very original idea. I do wish the supernatural element was a little more focused on. It could almost be a political thriller like Polanski's more recent film, The Ghost Writer. Ultimately, I feel that it isn't quite up to the horror films of Polanski's past such as Repulsion, Rosemary's Baby or even The Fearless Vampire Killers but is still pretty good fun.
How is that movie on a top list of anything? It's bland, predictable, populated with walking clichés and it amounts to nothing in the "end". Another overrated Polanski movie. Shocker.
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Comments 1 - 15 of 15
kimstir
I like the concept of this movie a lot. Searching for the book of the devil — count me in! I just felt the overall execution was a little tame. The “suspense” scenes weren’t really all that suspenseful. The way they staged some of the “action” scenes were just kind of awkward. And the pacing in the 3rd act was weird. Never seen to really hit that final stride like most thrillers do. The very very end though was pretty interesting imo.There was a nice element of mystery throughout though and I enjoyed the book comparing scenes. It’s fun investigating with the lead character. But overall it just felt a little too tame. Felt like Johnny Depp’s character could have had more of an arc. Depp realllllly underplays it. Maybe too much so imo.
Still enjoyed the ride but just wish it was more suspenseful. Wouldn’t mind seeing a Fincher-like remake of this movie.
IreneAdler
I have to agree with some comments here. This movie really captured my attention and created quite a thrilling atmosphere.But especially towards the end I felt some disappointment because I had expected something more mysterious, just MORE anyway. Plus, I've watched it again since and (contrary to other movies) seeing it again did not change my mind.
CSSCHNEIDER
I just revisited this for the first time in 19 years. When I first watched it I deemed it one of the worst movies ever made. It's not, but it's so dumb. What a terrible movie. Very little drive and the ending is so unsatisfying. I don't hate it, I just hate that it's liked. It's not a good movie.danisanna
It's lukewarm. It has its good moments but just when you think the movie is heating up, it dies down again. It had potential. It also leaves you with unanswered questions, which I hate. Not Depp's finest. But still worth a watch.dombrewer
There's a unfortunate lack of tension and scares in this supernatural thriller from Roman Polanski - although the concept and the performances are all good - the demonic sects, the evil contained within old books and the sense of a mystery slowly unravelling all add to some palpable atmosphere - somehow it doesn't all come together. The most dramatic moments end up seeming shrill and silly, and the final scene is extremely disappointing, but if you are a bibliophile, interested in the occult (or just a fan of Johnny Depp) there are definitely things here to enjoy.Plithith
I was not expecting the scene at the end. I think it shocked me, actually. But I like that so much of this movie was about books, because I love books.shitmovies
Terrible schlock. The carelessness with which Depp treats the book throughout is like an allegory for the writing of the plot.nick121235
On my second rewatch I upped this film half a star. It's genuinely pretty entertaining, and I think the first time that I saw it, I wasn't quite expecting such a "commercial" film. I think I was right on the tail end of finishing Venus in Fur in fact, so I was looking for something more... art-house.At any rate, this film is highly entertaining, a slow burning thriller, the type that Polanski is so damn good at.
As always, beautiful, beautiful sets, lighting, and camera work.
I have no idea why people say that Depp was miscast, I thought he was fantastic.
Jace Lightner
The first 20 minutes or so really encapsulated the dark and gritty nature of the film. When Depp's character was assigned his task, I felt the excitement oozing out of me. The plot was really interesting and intriguing, and the director was able to keep a very consistent pace that did not downplay the severity of what was going on or what was about to happen! Very glad I decided to watch this, I was randomly flicking through something to watch and boy was this a treat!essaywhu
This film reminded me a little of some of the classic british horror films about satanic cults but is more of a thriller because much of the more supernatural parts are downplayed. I did think setting it in the world of book collecting was a very original idea. I do wish the supernatural element was a little more focused on. It could almost be a political thriller like Polanski's more recent film, The Ghost Writer. Ultimately, I feel that it isn't quite up to the horror films of Polanski's past such as Repulsion, Rosemary's Baby or even The Fearless Vampire Killers but is still pretty good fun.BadFluffy
How is that movie on a top list of anything? It's bland, predictable, populated with walking clichés and it amounts to nothing in the "end". Another overrated Polanski movie. Shocker.Yama
The last part was so disappointing...Giacco
boring.nicolino
Nothing surprising. It was predictable and a trifle boring. The only good performance is by Johnny Depp.Skyscore
http://www.afisha.ru/movie/165731/review/155608/