Spring Break
The Daily OrangeDavid Fincher directs another winning thriller with "Panic Room"
By Christopher Reilly
Posted: 3/28/02, 12:48 AM EST Section: Feature
Little does Meg know how soon she will have to utilize the panic room. On their first night in the house, three rain-soaked intruders enter the brownstone. Burnham (Forest Whitaker, "Phenomenon") is the money-strapped panic room designer, Junior (Jared Leto, "Fight Club") is the black sheep of the former owner's family, and Raoul (Dwight Yoakam) is the gun-toting thug of the group.
Having come in search of a fortune, they are disheartened when Meg and Sarah lock themselves in the panic room, the very spot the money is hidden. Forced into a deadly game of cat-and-mouse, Meg must do what she can to protect herself and her daughter while the robbers struggle to foil her rescue attempts.
Foster is wonderful as Meg, a woman who has been crippled emotionally and must find the inner strength to save her life as well as her daughter's. She ends up seeking her husband's help at one point in the film, but there is no doubt that she is the hero of this tale. Foster manages to convey both Meg's fragility as well as her bravery in a believable way.
Of the robbers, Whitaker shines in the most developed role: a family man forced into crime to keep his family together. Bound by morals, his role within the brownstone is always in question. He is impressive throughout. Leto provides some well-needed comic relief while Yoakam is effective as the robber you pray will get his comeuppance before the film is over.
Stewart also does well as Sarah, whether she's instructing her mother how to curse out the robbers or when she's suffering from her diabetes. She portrays her character in a realistic manner, never going over-the-top when it comes to her illness.
The strength of "Panic Room" is its simplicity. Written by David Koepp ("Mission: Impossible"), the film restricts itself to one location and five main characters and the audience won't ask for anything more. The narrow focus is engrossing, and there's enough humor laced between the thrills to keep level the dark mood.
Fincher uses some wonderful cinematography to give the audience a full view of the film's environment. Whether it's tracking the robber's progress by whizzing the camera through floors or splitting the screen when, these fresh angles drive up the suspense.
Panicking over what movie to catch this weekend? Have no fear — your "Room" is now available.
Christopher Reilly is a sophomore magazine major. E-mail him at passpopcorn@yahoo.com.
Having come in search of a fortune, they are disheartened when Meg and Sarah lock themselves in the panic room, the very spot the money is hidden. Forced into a deadly game of cat-and-mouse, Meg must do what she can to protect herself and her daughter while the robbers struggle to foil her rescue attempts.
Foster is wonderful as Meg, a woman who has been crippled emotionally and must find the inner strength to save her life as well as her daughter's. She ends up seeking her husband's help at one point in the film, but there is no doubt that she is the hero of this tale. Foster manages to convey both Meg's fragility as well as her bravery in a believable way.
Of the robbers, Whitaker shines in the most developed role: a family man forced into crime to keep his family together. Bound by morals, his role within the brownstone is always in question. He is impressive throughout. Leto provides some well-needed comic relief while Yoakam is effective as the robber you pray will get his comeuppance before the film is over.
Stewart also does well as Sarah, whether she's instructing her mother how to curse out the robbers or when she's suffering from her diabetes. She portrays her character in a realistic manner, never going over-the-top when it comes to her illness.
The strength of "Panic Room" is its simplicity. Written by David Koepp ("Mission: Impossible"), the film restricts itself to one location and five main characters and the audience won't ask for anything more. The narrow focus is engrossing, and there's enough humor laced between the thrills to keep level the dark mood.
Fincher uses some wonderful cinematography to give the audience a full view of the film's environment. Whether it's tracking the robber's progress by whizzing the camera through floors or splitting the screen when, these fresh angles drive up the suspense.
Panicking over what movie to catch this weekend? Have no fear — your "Room" is now available.
Christopher Reilly is a sophomore magazine major. E-mail him at passpopcorn@yahoo.com.
