Cinematography By: David Johnson
Editor: Alexander Berner
Cast: Milla Jovovich, Eric Mabius, James Purefoy, Michelle Rodriguez, Colin Salmon
A virus has escaped in a secret facility called "The Hive," turning the staff into hungry zombies and releasing the mutated Lab "Animals" that they were studying. The complex computer shuts down the base to prevent infection. The parent corporation sends in an elite military unit, where they meet Alice, who is suffering from amnesia due to exposure to nerve gas. The military team must shut down the computer and get out, fighting their way past zombies, mutants, and the computer itself, before the virus escapes and infects the rest of the world. Alice must also come to terms with her slowly-returning memories.
I must be honest I can't judge this film, Based on the video game since I only really played the game a few times, but from what I hear this is an interpretation of what went on before the game. I am just going to judge it on the basis of it's film-making.
I can admit that i am not the biggest fan of Paul W.S. Anderson as a director, but must admit he has an eye and an interest in sci-fi and action primarily. Framing great action set pieces with eye grabbing visuals. The scripts aren’t usually gripping but they will do for what is required. Though going into a film like this you aren’t looking for great film-making you are look to get what you came for and be entertained.
This is a popcorn film so it's filled with numerous clichés, but the interesting part of the film is that it switches genre during the film. It begins as an action film then turns into a zombie horror film where everyone alive is trying to get out to survive. The soldiers begin to run out of ammo. Someone gets infected then the film becomes a thriller while acknowledging what has come before it. Trying to guess who really is who and who Is a traitor all the while being surrounded by a desolate high tech science fiction film.
George A. Romero, director of Night of the Living Dead, was originally attached to write and direct, but left the project in 1999 due to creative differences over the script. The project was dormant for over a year before Paul W.S. Anderson signed on to write and direct the movie. Which isn’t too shocking as the film borrows a bunch of elements of his films
I can honestly say I enjoyed myself watching this film. I was never bored. It kept me riveted and guessing. maybe since I never played the game, So while fans knew about the twists and turns I went in blind as it was all knew tome and the requisite tension worked. As I didn’t know who to trust who not to. If you go by the known rules as fans of this type of films, it won’t be hard to predict any of it
This film was originally titled 'Resident Evil: Ground Zero', but the title was changed to just 'Resident Evil' after the 11 September 2001 terrorist attacks on the USA.
Connections to Alice's Adventures in Wonderland: - Main character's name is Alice. - Computer is named 'Red Queen'. - 'The Red Queen' needs to kill someone who is infected, so she tries to get someone else to chop off their head. (Off with her head!) - Alice in Wonderland paperweight. - A white rabbit was use to test the T-virus. - To enter the hive they go through a mirrored door (through the looking glass). - The Red Queen also succeeds in cutting off "her" head - the medic in the laser hallway. - Kaplan worries about time, as the White Rabbit does. (Mentioned in commentary) - Matt is sitting on the ledge when Rain and JD hear the first zombie. This is mentioned in the commentary as a reference to the Caterpillar. .
It is filmed like a video game with tons of quick cuts, no. Stop techno music soundtrack that Is pumped up in volume during the action sequences. Vivid colors that come out of the darkness
This film actually has a little substance. though it's a nice celebration of better films it is influenced by. It is also where Milla jovovich continued her action career and got her own franchise. Making her a legitimate entry for a female action hero backed up by Michelle Rodriguez who by now has proved she is able to do drama and action and deserve her own action franchise as well. She had already proven to be bankable. She is more than capable of being up to the challenge. Instead of just being the tough sidekick. I am Personally shocked she wasn't starring In the film HAYWIRE.
I'm not going to lie. I like this movie, I own it. It's part of my film library. Sure Paul WS. Anderson isn't a great director, but I will give it to him he is a great visual stylist. He does add a technical touch to his films.
I feel with this film he certainly pays homage to other better classic horror and sci-fi films. Aliens Definately comes to mind with soldiers hunting a undying prey. A creative dawn of the dead. The creatures wanting in or out of he building soldiers being infected but slowly succumbing to it and none of your comrades willing to kill you at first. Hole needing to survive. The apocalyptic ending with the lone warrior. All the minor cuts and bruises on Milla Jovovich 's character are real. No make-up was applied.
This is a film that I believe star Milla Jovovich secretly tries to repeat the success of and the character of in such films as ultraviolet to disappointing affect. I also believe that like myself because of the quality of this film I keep returning to the series hoping one day it will be just as good or at least a worthy sequel and my dreams are dashed each time. Though some of the sequels outright suck. Some are ok just none come to the enjoyment I had with this film.
The studio had hoped at one time to make the film PG-13, but the director insisted that to be true to the game, the film must be rated R.
None of the sequels felt solid as this film does. It’s a shame as this could have stood on it’s own without becoming a series of films that feel like they are being drained of content each new film. Its successful opening weekend sparked a frenzy among US studios, eager to capitalize on the interest in video games. Titles like Silent Hill and Max Payne were all snapped up.
Grade: B
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