Walter Chow, a writer and critic, dives deep into Steven Soderbergh's film Presence, a haunting tale told from the ghost's perspective. The conversation highlights the fragile dynamics of a family grappling with loss, set against a backdrop of innovative cinematography that heightens the film's eerie atmosphere. They tackle the portrayal of Asian characters, critiquing stereotypes while exploring the potential for richer narratives. The hosts also discuss the benefits of shorter runtimes and the challenges of blending genres, pushing for fresh storytelling in modern cinema.
The film Presence uniquely presents the haunted house story from the ghost's perspective, creating a tense atmosphere that invites reflection on family dynamics.
Despite its innovative visual style and atmosphere, Presence faces criticism for its underdeveloped script and reliance on stereotypes in character portrayal.
Deep dives
Unique Perspective on a Haunted House
The film Presence offers a fresh take on the haunted house genre by presenting the story from the ghost's point of view. This unique perspective allows the audience to experience the new family's dynamics through the eyes of the ghost, creating an unsettling atmosphere that heightens the tension. As the audience observes the family's interactions, particularly focusing on the daughter Chloe, who grapples with loss, the ghost's interest in her becomes a focal point, raising questions about its intentions. The film thrives on this exploration of perspective, inviting viewers to ponder the nature of presence and observation in a haunting narrative.
Cinematic Style and Vibes
The stylistic choices in Presence play a crucial role in establishing its tone and atmosphere, largely favoring a vibe-driven experience over a tightly scripted narrative. The film employs point-of-view shots that immerse the viewer into the ghost's perspective, creating a sense of disorientation that mirrors the characters' fear of the supernatural. This approach, coupled with moments of deliberate silence and long takes, enhances the eerie feeling throughout the film, reminiscent of the found footage style popularized by earlier horror films like Blair Witch Project. While the script may lack depth, the effective visual storytelling captivates the audience, emphasizing mood over plot.
Critical Reflections on Script and Characters
Despite its innovative cinematic techniques, Presence has faced criticism regarding its storytelling and character development, particularly the portrayal of its protagonists. The film's script, attributed to David Koepp, is described as serviceable yet uninspired, potentially undermining the effectiveness of Soderbergh's experimental direction. The family dynamics, especially that of the Asian mother portrayed by Lucy Liu, raise concerns about reliance on stereotypes, prompting discussions on representation in modern storytelling. Ultimately, while the film is acknowledged for its stylistic merit, it struggles to deliver a compelling and cohesive narrative that resonates meaningfully with audiences.
In the new Steven Soderbergh film Presence, a family moves into an old house, and weird stuff starts happening. But what's different about this haunted house story is that the movie told from the point of view of the ghost. We only get glimpses of the family, but gradually we start to piece together their brittle dynamic.