| Cover Art |
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| Credits |
Director: Tony Scott,
Luke Scott, Chris Hartwill
Starring: David Bowie,
Giovanni Ribisi, Kim Feeney, Kate Vernon, Eric
Roberts, Alice Poon
Screenplay: Bruce M.
Smith, Gerald Wexler
Country: USA |
The Hunger is a very film noir
take on anthology series television shows such as The Twilight Zone or Tales
from the Crypt. From the Scott Brothers
(one of them being Ridley, director of Alien), The Hunger tells the strange and
often bizarre stories that unfold around different
people each episode, introduced and concluded by
David Bowie, Crypt Keeper style. This collection,
The Hunger Vol. 1 contains three episodes, "Sanctuary,"
"Skin Deep," and "Dream Sentinel."
"Sanctuary" tells the story of a
young man seeking medical treatment from a recluse
artist played by David Bowie. Before he can be
admitted for treatment, the artist takes time
to interrogate and analyse the man, finding out
more than both of them expected. "Skin Deep"
depicts a young woman who falls in love with a
heavily tattooed woman, and although is warned
away from her, continues the pursuit and tries
to bed the saucy tattooed lady. The final story,
"Dream Sentinel," stars Julia Roberts'
brother Eric Roberts, as a ghost in love with
an exotic dancer. But being a lover without touch
becomes too much for him as he plots to make things
a little more permanent.
When I started watching this, I was originally
turned off by the metal musical score and sharp
editing techniques used to propel the story. Then
I realised that the story was written in such
a fascinating way that the editing and music only
made this experience more enjoyable. The writing
is slow and you can be left bored waiting for
the ending, but somehow it seemed to work and
you still endure it until the conclusion.
The editing is very unordinary. Through many
different camera angles and rapid cuts and repetitions,
the editing style is fast and furious, yet contains
some mesmerising aspects that keep the viewer
intrigued. It did seem to slow the narrative down
however, and this is something I do not like to
see. The musical score is something I would not
usually listen to, etiher. Loud, metal, electrical;
not my cup of tea. But I was utterly amazed to
find myself enjoying the music blending with the
story telling. The music fits the frenetic mood
of the show, from unusual stories to fast editing.
It's like the wrong ingredients for a sandwich
put all together to make something good.
For those put off by the evil music and editing,
the show does boast some appropriately placed
gore effects, nudity and sex scenes. Not always
the best argument for a compelling narrative,
but I've never complained about it in the
past.
Far from a Tales or Twilight rip-off The
Hunger certainly is an audiovisual experience.
The stories aren't fantastic, but they are
enjoyable, and are told in a bold and unique way
that makes it memorable. |
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