Shutter

Shutter

2004. Thailand.

In Thai.

Directed by Banjong Pisanthanakun and Parkpoom Wongpoom

Starring Ananda Everingham and Natthaweeranuch Thongmee

            The only thing I could think after seeing Shutter was, ‘If at first you don’t succeed, Thai, Thai again.’ Put bluntly, this movie is a somewhat boring, mediocre rehash of Ring and Ju-On. Now, before you get all up on me saying I talk about J-Horror too much, Thai know that almost every single concept, device and plot twist in this movie has been borrowed from one of these movies. Don’t get me wrong- it’s entertaining enough, but I had higher hopes for the only Thai horror movie I’d ever heard of.

            The plot follows Tun, a photographer, and his girlfriend Jane, who hit a woman in their car while driving home after a night of drinking. Soon, Tun and Jane start seeing the woman in the background of his photographs, breathing down their necks in the dark room, etc. As they investigate the identity of the woman, we discover that one of them is hiding a dark secret and the ghost has very good reason to be so pissed-off at them.

            The best way to explain this movie’s genre roots is with the following analogy. Ringu: videotape, Ju-On: house, Shutter: film camera. In its own way, each haunted item gives a voice to the ghost antagonist(s) and curses the heroes. In the defense of “Shutter,” the theme of photography raises interesting questions about the role of the photographer. Does taking a picture of something also make you a participant in it? In what ways can the subject influence and define the artist? I give it a 3/5 on the scare-o-meter (“Solid. Creepy”), and 1/5 on the gore-o-meter (“Watch it with grandma next time”), although I don’t think it merits a “next time” viewing.

            In regards to the movie’s adaptability: moderately scary? Check. Familiar, easily digestible concepts (see above)? Check. Low-budget rights’ cost (it was both directors’ first film)? Check. Therefore it’s no wonder that Roy Lee, the American producer who specializes in adapting Asian movies to the US (The Ring, The Grudge, Dark Water, etc.), jumped at the chance to do his own 2008 remake of Shutter starring Joshua Jackson and Rachel Taylor. I haven’t seen it, and probably won’t.

            Thai Thai for now, Scarers.  À bientôt!

AC