Director: Barry Levinson
Starring: Kristen Connolly, Will Rogers, Christopher Denham,
Running Time: 84 Minutes
Certificate: 15
Extras: Behind the scenes footage, Trailer
News that Barry Levinson, director of RAIN MAN, DINER and SPHERE, was making a found-footage horror film caused either a ripple of excitement, or a ‘sigh’ of tedium depending on your view of the divisive genre.
The simple story harks back to the likes of JAWS as a rapidly spreading parasite rips through a small town on the 4th of July. This outlandish comparison is in no way hyperbolic, because no-one will be going in the water after the events of the movie. More than horror, the film also offers social commentary, with a clearly underprepared government ignoring early warnings in favour of profits.
Levinson manages to put found footage to incredible use: jumping between holiday videos (of which there are many being 4th July), cell phones, webcams, CCTV, and news footage to link the story. This allows him to have free reign on what he is showing us, and also keeps the pace going. Not once does Levinson commit the ultimate sin and betray his chosen medium. In fact, he actively encourages it. The camera is never concerned with picking up the best shots, nor will you always be given the exact information. This creates a realistic and crude look that is essential to envelop the audience in the story.
The horror elements are superbly handled, with each bit of information gradually revealed to us. Don’t be surprised if your skin starts to itch or you find yourself on the phone to your GP demanding they take a look at your rash. THE BAY is very much a story that could happen anywhere at any time. This approach means we never feel beaten down by the ecological message the film discloses. It’s a worst case scenario, but it is a viable scenario.
The only drawback was the inclusion of a ‘protagonist’ who narrates much of the film. Having her interviewed over Skype just comes across as an afterthought, and also requires Connolly to act rather than react to specific situations. Perhaps a more mature and convincing voice would have made the entire film that much more credible. Maybe Werner Herzog? It worked for INCIDENT AT LOCH NESS.
THE BAY probably won’t change your mind on found footage, but those open to the format will find a film which creates a rich tapestry of fear. It knows when to use mystery and gore to startling effect, as well as causing us to care for the situation itself rather than individual disposable characters. Spine-tingling and thought provoking, it’s a horror not to be forgotten.
Extras: There’s a very short behind-the-scenes look at THE BAY, but it’s enough to demonstrate just how focused Levinson was on utilising the genre. He talks about some shots being too clear or showing too much, and how actors were often given the tools and just had to run with it. That’s the way to do it.
THE BAY is released on DVD and Blu-ray on 18th March.
