“Unlike other forms of psychological disorders, the core issue in trauma is reality.”
-Traumatic Stress: The Effects of Overwhelming Experience on Mind, Body, and Society
Strap in folks, this movie isn't an easy one to watch.
a large part of this movies effectiveness is how real it all feels. the main plot follows a veteran going through his everyday life, and struggling to cope with his PTSD. Even before the strange hallucinations start, Tim Robbins does one hell of a job communicating how much he is struggling without saying a word. Not only that, but the 90's New York setting is filmed in the most quietly disturbing way possible. it often feels like the environment is a direct extension of Jacobs mental state, and as a pair they create this movies constantly disturbing atmosphere. no matter where you are or what your doing, everything feels unsafe and inhuman somehow in this seemingly dying world. this movie is a tragedy. the tragedy of becoming alienated from the people he loves, his home, his mind, and his reality.
and of course, i cant wrap up this review without talking about the amazing practical effects for the crazy ass hallucinations. whether its blurry face boys, Hobos with tentacles, our house party horrors this movie is packed to the brim with disturbing imagery.
this movie is a classic for a reason, and not even George Costanza can lighten the mood. promise i will do something a little lighter for my next review. i definitely need a pallet cleansing.
10/10
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