Ages ago, when I went to see The Riot Club, I saw a trailer for The Babadook. I immediately felt torn because I badly wanted to see it but suspected it would mess with my head. I've been very wary of horror films since I've been quite badly affected by them in the past though I highly suspect that similar to taking narcotics, it depends on your mental state at the time of exposure, as to the consequences. I'm a very visual and sensitive person, and when I say that I think I have heightened senses, so imagery and sounds can really affect me. Years ago, I was quite badly disturbed by The Grudge (which I am WELL aware is a shit film) due to one scene where a young boys mouth opens really wide and a cat noise comes out. I have NEVER forgotten that. I struggled sleeping... but then I have a feeling this was at a time when I was struggling to sleep anyway.
I digress. So, I have slowly been getting back into watching scary movies... and to be honest I've actually been disappointed. They just aren't scary. I think also when you've studied film basics you kind of distance yourself somewhat and are able to predict the jumpy parts. I watched Paranormal activity 1 and 2 (hate ghosts/poltergeist stuff) and it failed to frighten me or disturb me to the extent I imagined. In part, scary films have got far, far too unrealistic to scare me. They become unbelievable and you're able to distance yourself further.
The Babadook, on first glance at the trailer, seemed scary... but not only that, it being underpinned by illustrations from a children's book, and the potential for this theme to infiltrate the rest of the cinematography intrigued me. The thing that really sealed the deal was the only film critic whose opinion I actually trust and respect, Mark Kermode, actually said that it was fantastically executed.
On this basis I pre-ordered it. It arrived last week and I've been putting off watching it since then... scared that this could be the film that stops me sleeping for weeks and plunges me into some sort of mental episode (my fear).
Tonight, I took the plunge. Alone. At night. But I kept the lamp on.
**** SPOILER ALERT ****
******* There now follows a post about the film, so PLEASE if you intend on watching it do NOT read any further. *******
********** Seriously.... Massive spoiler ahead.... ************
It became apparent quite early on in the film, that this was the type of film I like, with depth; composed, intelligently structured mise-en-scene, and good narrative with layers.
It also became apparent, that this was different to run-of-the-mill horror films with the standard gratuitous mystery, ambiguous evil presence, pregnant pauses and tingly music. This film, had a clear message. It wasn't hidden, or hard to pick up on... it was obvious early on that this film is about a REAL monster- Depression and unresolved trauma. It becomes clear that the young boy's behaviour is echoing his Mother's unresolved resentment and stress brought on by grief and insomnia. The Babadook is the manifestation of his Mother's mental breakdown and the boy becomes her protector. It's compelling, particularly now I work in Child Protection and see mental health issues becoming increasingly responsible for provoking Child Protection conferences where children are being neglected and affected by their parent's behaviours. In fact, social services make an appearance, albeit they do as shit a job in the film as they do in real life at protecting the child. It's a good one for people who work in Mental Health or Child Protection actually... call it an educational film! Less terrifying, more creepingly, chilling, I can safely say I don't feel like there are any images that are going to haunt me when I try sleep tonight.
The words in the book will resonate deeply with anyone who has experienced deep depression. This gave this film depth for me that allowed me to enjoy it without being scared out of my wits, though there were definite moments of anxiety, tension and "tingly skin" moments... you know the ones where you get that little burst of adrenalin from the fear of it which you can feel flood through your veins for about a second. Brilliantly done, excellently acted, well composed and beautifully filmed in a way which echoes the old film noir horrors, which are referenced perfectly.
I appreciate most films created by true artists... and this is one. Expertly done and money well spent.
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