THATFILMGUY

[pullquote cite=”” type=”left, right”][amazon text=Amazon&template=carousel&chan=that film guy&asin=B004919RHS][/pullquote] Claustrophobia is one of the most deep-rooted and common fears humans can experience, if you identify with this then the best suggestion would be to avoid watching the film Buried. Many may have their reservations as the films low budget, shot in one location with one actor, could put you off the mainstream ˜blockbuster’ but do not let this fool you. From the very beginning viewers are thrust into the pitch black, along with the only character seen during the film, Paul Conway (Ryan Reynolds). The film unsettles any macho type, as scenes alternate between the protagonist screaming in frustration and fright, to a few dark one liners that almost make you feel bad for laughing at.

Buried uses the basis of a contractor being held hostage and the lengths he goes too with his only tool, a mobile phone to get himself out, wherein lies the problem. With so many ways to prolong speaking to someone, i.e. the hold button, you begin to see that in certain situations mostly of the life or death type, telecoms systems are wholly inefficient. With certain death only hours away, constant calls are made to emergency services and state departments. The manner in which they talk, as if they (quite rightly) don’t believe his calling from a box, buried in the middle of a desert, is condescending, unproductive and thoroughly frustrating to witness. Finally the light at the end of the tunnel seems to be nearing as he speaks to a hostage unit, but in the stark light of the day or torch in his case, there is very little they can do.

Twists and turns leave you in anticipation, nails littered around the sofa after frustration rides in constant waves at you whilst you’re watching. The Americans treatment of their employees and their reaction to hostage situations during this film are unbelievably cold-hearted at times, but with a tinge of potential reality to them.

Jordanna K. Virdee