Silent Hill Review

Written by: alex1176   

Christopher Gans' "Silent Hill" is an extremely creepy and surrealistic horror film that (for me) achieves the status of an instant cult classic. It's also the best video game adaptation yet. Plot-wise, it sticks extremely close to the story found in the original "Silent Hill" while featuring some characters that were introduced in the PS2 sequel. Fans of the franchise will also delight in a number of other passing references to the games.

Visually, the movie is simultaneously artistic and eerie. The production design and camera work are exceptional. This is also the kind of movie that has a very foreign feel to it due to director Gans. He had previously helmed the equally bizarre French film “Brotherhood of the Wolf” which owed much to horror films, “The Matrix” and costume period pieces! I must say that the special FX and CGI in “Silent Hill” are top-notch. And while the film may be slow-paced (too slow for some), it’s the striking impact of the conclusion that makes the experience worth it.

Overall, this is very much a love it-or-hate-it movie. The acting by the entire cast lead by Radha Mitchell is very good. And while it could’ve been more original, I believe Gans did the source material justice. He even contributed a nasty little creature to the movie called the Janitor. It evokes jolts of hair-raising horror during its brief screen time. Now forget the brain-dead translation of “Doom” and watch “Silent Hill” instead. It’s a very effective work of art that fans of Barker and Bava will certainly enjoy!