The Gorge

[olivermoss]

What did I just watch? I enjoyed it, but it was utter nonsense. There are a few specific problems I kinda want to dig into, but what's the point? It's a very well made, watchable pile of nonsense. Visually, it's fantastic. I could 100% see watching this movie for visual inspo.

The film was produced, but not written by, Cargill and Derrickson. I really like them, but didn't realize it wasn't their script. Derrickson directed it and I know Cargill was on site for filming, so I assumed he was at least involved in the writing.

The plot was obviously inspired by the sorts of games I don't play, but sometimes watch video essays about. I have to wonder if the people making the film were unaware of a certain video game meme that happens at what should be a point of high drama. Nothing kills any sense of tension like attack of the over-used Unity Store assets.

I did enjoy it, but it is hot garbage start to finish. It cost over 4x what a Scott Derrickson movie usually costs. It actually helps that the acting is mid and that the main character seems a bit like he'd not really there somehow... because it makes it more like video game cut scenes. Blank stares into the middle distance work better than serious portrayals of emotion. Why did this script get made, and why did it get this budget? It's basically a very, very well polished piece of garbage.

I have a feeling that Derrickson and Cargill were very aware of the movie they were making. They had no illusions that this was going to be cinema. The studio wanted a certain type of garbage and they delivered. I am seeing articles claiming that Derrickson needed to do this film to get the greenlight for Black Phone 2. I am not sure that needs a sequel, but hopefully this helps Derrickson get the clout he needs to pick projects.

Comments

[mistressofmuses]

This is one that I've hoped to get to see (if I shell out for AppleTV at some point). I can appreciate some highly polished garbage, to be fair. Though probably better to know that I should anticipate it being just that, haha. I didn't realize that they hadn't actually written the script. I'm with you on hoping that this + Black Phone 2 (which he did seem very excited about) helps Derrickson get choice of projects.

[olivermoss]

Yeah, it wasn't quite was I expected, and then credits rolled and things became clear. I'll be interested to hear your take if you get a chance to see it

[mistressofmuses]

I'll let you know if I get the chance! I think enough stuff has built up on AppleTV that I wished I could see that I'll probably spring for it for a month or two at least at some point. We may have to figure out a plan to rotate between services, flipping between a few every few months.

[olivermoss]

I've heard a lot of buzz around Slow Horses, but I have no idea what it's about. And Murderbot is coming soon!

Flipping around seems like a good plan. Adding a channel for a month or two is a sudden rush of options, usually.

[mistressofmuses]

I have also heard the buzz around Slow Horses... and also couldn't tell you what exactly it's about, ha. And I am pretty hype for Murderbot... that is likely the thing that will really push me to get it.

I think it would probably be wise to start rotating between some of the services I don't constantly watch. I know there are ones I pay for that I can go a whole month without watching, and that's a waste. Plus things I'd like, but just don't want to commit to paying for the service forever. Remembering to cancel and subscribe to something new is the part I know I'll struggle to do, but I think it'll be worth it.