1408

Viewer Rating:Eoghan Bolger has rated 1408 rating: 2 Star

1408 Room 1408 is a horror film best on the short story of the same name by horror master Steven King. The focus of the story is horror writer named Mike Enslin (John Cusack) , Enslin is a confirmed and dedicated, sarcastic cynic who has never had a ghostly or supernatural experience in his entire life, he dismisses such frightening stories as nothing more than nonsense or fiction . Samuel L Jackson (Snakes on a plane) also stars in this film. In the interest of research for his book Enslin decides (and insists , even to the point of taking legal action) to spend the night in the notorious room 1408 where a series of deaths have occurred. Things seem normal initially but soon pictures begin slanting, the thermostat begins breaking, the radio and television begin turning on by themselves, the phones don't work and his computer fails. Enslin begins seeing things and hearing bizarre noises , however that's only the beginning, he tries to escape put finds himself incarcerated. It's not long before ghosts, blood and crack start appearing. The majority of King's novels have translated very well onto the screen. Does 1408 follow this encouraging trend? Let's find out below. There is clear reference to Alfred Hitchcock during the film, not only is the film set in a hotel but the inclusion of a surfing outfit has the word psycho written on the side of it. This could very well make one think this is a reference to a possible psychological condition the character is experiencing/will experience. Alcohol and references to the characters relationship with his father are recurring themes and may contribute to some sort of mental illness. These suggest a possible problem with alcoholism or childhood abuse. The primary character himself sceptically remarks that a manic depressive , a person with a condition went mad. The lead characters comments about himself “not being able to remember when he last slept” possible impact of his daughters death and the vision of the white room (A symbol of a mental institution) are also relevant. All but a rocky relationship with parent was covered in King's other novel the shining. From that it is clear to anyone the similarities between 1408 and the shining which in a way is both a strength and a weakness. Like the shining questions such as insanity vs the supernatural are raised, are the tenants of the room simply out of their minds or is there someone or something that cannot be seen lurking behind the scenes in the shadows controlling or leading the character to madness or in the case of Eslin, something along the lines of a near death vision or a dream. So in that aspect the film succeeds in having all of the same scares as the shining but due to its more modern look will be more disturbing and have a better effect on audiences of today. Cusack gives a superior performance to Jack Nicholson which adds to Cusack's already well written/scripted character. An atmospheric score adds fear and tension to the already claustrophobic nature film and the sets warrant no complaints. If you enjoy the work of Stephen King, the shining, horror in general this should ease the wait until all of the upcoming horror films are released this autumn/winter. There is no doubt; it is inevitable that some people will feel that they have seen a film too similar to the shining. Some have suggested similarities to the videogame silent hill 4 the room. Fans of the game can debate and find that out when they see the film themselves, the setting and psychological nature (a rare thing for an American horror) are things the film shares with the game. . 1408 is a very though provoking film and a rare gem in American horror and is worth rewatching a second time not only for its entertainment value but also to fully understand/take in it's intricate plot, a very complex horror film with some thriller elements. Verdict : ****

Review published on the 13 September 2007 23:12