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'The Ring' keeps promises
By John Behling
Published:
Monday, October 21, 2002
Media Credit: MERRICK MORTON/DREAMWORKS PICTURES
Rachel Keller (Naomi Watts) makes a horrifying discovery on her quest to unravel the mystery of a terrifying videotape that dooms anyone who watches it.
Halloween is approaching and yet again it is profitable to make moviegoers scream. This, however, is the most suspicious time for a horror film junkie.
Now overloaded with films that promise to be "the scariest film of the year," it becomes increasingly difficult to separate the legitimately scary from the ultimately disappointing. The only solution to this problem is to trust your instincts and go to the film that looks best.
I tested this theory with the thriller from director Gore Verbinski, "The Ring," staring Naomi Watts. "The Ring" refers to the ghastly image that all it's victims see seconds before death. A videotape is found by a group of high school kids spending the weekend at a secluded wilderness lodge. After viewing the fragmented collection of disturbing images, the phone rings and the voice of a little girl says "Seven days." Seven days later, each of those who had viewed the tape died. The heroine, Rachel (Naomi Watts), is a journalist trying desperately to discover the origins of the tape, as her seven days slowly count down.
Thankfully, this film gets straight to the point. Very early in the film Rachel views the tape and the rest of the film chronicles the seven days leading up to its climax. This sense of urgency compliments the character's sense of urgency and makes the audience feel as if they are also racing against the clock.
Another crucial point where this movie does not miss is in the content and story surrounding the tape. Too many times have seemingly-good horror premises been ruined by badly written plots. In this department, "The Ring" does not disappoint, the tape itself is a jumble of abstract and disturbing images that has a powerful quality of its own, but at the same time, layers clues which become relevant later on. The story that unfolds from the tape is equally intriguing and skillfully leads the audience along, never fully disclosing the nature of its malevolent force until the end.
Naomi Watts pulls the film through some greatly suspenseful moments, but also helps to gloss over a couple weak spots. Her portrayal of the somewhat negligent, work-obsessed, single mom fighting desperately for the her life is very sound and brings a lot of emotion to the film.
"The Ring" has its share of jump-in-your seat scares, but mostly focuses on a more potent breed of fear. This breed is built piece by piece, scene by scene as director Gore Verbinski doesn't allow the suspense to wane, trapping the audience along with Rachel as her situation becomes more and more desperate.
Also, the feeling of dread doesn't necessarily stay in the theater as the film ends. It has a lasting quality that will keep the viewer glancing into the dark corners of the parking lot on the way back to the safety of his or her car. "The Ring" is a safe bet for those who want to have their personal safety suspended and also for those who just love being scared.
In short, it's a great film to get into the spirit of Halloween.
