I've heard several people grumble about this being a disappointment
because it's not "scary enough." Well, those people missed
the point. 28 Days Later is an excellent story about human
survival, and while it draws similarities to classic horror films
(particularly George Romero's zombie series), it is far more complex
than the typical gore-fest.
The plot revolves around a character named Jim (Cillian
Murphy), who has awoken from a coma to find that the hospital, and
the rest of downtown London, is deserted. A virus has spread rapidly,
leading to countless deaths and the evacuation of Great Britain.
The virus turns the infected into homicidal maniacs, consumed by
the desire to destroy any living thing in their path.
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| Mailer
gets pissed. |
Jim hooks up with the jaded Selina (Naomie Harris)
and a few other survivors, and sets off to find the source of an
army broadcast advertising "the solution to infection."
The journey leads them literally into the heart of darkness, where
they discover that in more ways than one, humanity is its own worst
enemy.
I
could pontificate on the symbolism and social commentary dripping
from this film, but this ain't no highbrow website. Let's just say
that I highly recommend the DVD, because it will elevate 28 Days
Later to the realm of cult classic where it belongs. The cinematography
is great, especially considering the low budget and the fact that
it was all shot on digital video instead of film. The acting is
fantastic as well. In addition to strong work from the leads, we
are treated to memorable supporting performances, such as Brendan
Gleeson as Frank and Stuart McQuarrie as Sgt. Farrell.
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He's
so dreamy!
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The
DVD is crammed full of extras: deleted scenes, alternate endings,
a documentary, promotional stuff, and commentary by director Danny
Boyle (Trainspotting) and writer Alex Garland (uh, The
Beach). The deleted scenes from the final third of the film
are especially good, and it's a shame more of them didn't make the
final cut. Still, that's what's great about the DVD medium: you
can see all the stuff that didn't make it, plus all the stuff that
did, plus a bunch of random stuff that you wouldn't have thought
existed.
28 Days Later brings to mind many classic
films from different genres (horror films like Rabid and
The Crazies, science fiction films like The Omega Man
and A Boy and His Dog, war films like Apocalypse Now
and Full Metal Jacket). Still, it is a singular achievement
which pays homage to its predecessors. In this age of half-assed
remakes and big-budget rip-offs, that's something that should be
applauded.
(Click
Here for DVD's Technical Specs)
RYAN-O
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