Welcome one and all to part 22 of my weekly blog, The 52 In 52. As always the premise is simple. I have a massive collection of DVDs and Blu Rays and from time to time I don't watch the film I throw them on the shelf to gather dust. Last week I reviewed the fantastic science fiction film, Under The Skin.
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This week I am talking about Julia's Eyes. This is a Spanish language film directed by Guillem Morales and produced by Guillermo Del Toro. The story follows Julia Levin, who after discovering her sisters body starts investigating her life up to her death. The only issue being that both sisters have a degenerative eye condition that will ultimately lead to them going blind. As more details come to light about Sara's life Julia's begins to unravel. After an operation to attempt to save her sight Julia is left in danger and she can't see the threats coming.
I have to admit I had to watch Julia's Eyes a couple of times, not because I didn't enjoy it but, I work full time and fell asleep during the first viewing. That being said Julia's Eyes is fantastic. The way in which the story is told is what drives the film. The opening scenes are really engaging and impact full. The way in which the opening scenes are shot is like a ghost story as Sara is seemingly talking to darkness. The story then twists and turns in an almost Giallo style of story telling where the threat is present but not fully revealed. There are red herrings around every corner and it's not until the 3rd act that the story finally becomes apparent.
The way in which the film was shot is fantastic. There are glimpses of point of view, in Julia's eyes if you will, that show the real danger and fear that would be felt if you were under attack and couldn't fully see. The other device used is that during the 2nd and 3rd act the people around Julia are shot either from the neck down, from behind or with their faces obscured. This is a really interesting way of shooting it and it really drives the mystery and suspense home.
The sound design is great too. From the minute Julia loses her sight the noise and score become louder and more impact full. Simple things like doors closing and kettles boiling are so loud that it is jarring. The score is wonderful and almost like a classic Hitchcock or Giallo score that builds mystery and intrigue.
The 3rd act is fantastic. From the minute Julia is recovering from surgery everything falls into place and even when you think the whole story is in place there are little additions to the story that catch you off guard.
Overall Julia's Eyes is a fantastic piece of story telling. With twists and turns galore this film will keep you guessing throughout.
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