Burn - Movie Review

Burn: One of the films that are shot in the real setting, it depicts a gas station as a boiling point of tension with a focus on the psychological aspect. A series of important film scenes describe the tragedy of an outcast whose life then and now is filled with loneliness and, at last, desperation when some desperate man tries to steal at the station, the lonely and ridiculed attendant sees in this action a chance to begin a conversation. Character development in the movie is done well within the enclosed environment, and the tension is iteratively built, as the viewer is never quite sure about whom to trust in terms of their allegiance. The tone is maintained as suspenseful with potential for black humor that does peek through the crime thriller plot. The picture is thus focused on the aspects of human psychology in specific conditions of stress. This gives a chance for developing the empathy for characters, which is usually placed outside of heroes’ stereotype.

Iconic performance to mention is Tilda Cobham-Hervey, who portrays the depth of loneliness and unpredictable temperament of her character quite realistically. The desperate robber role which was played by Josh Hutcherson in this film is unique because of the actor’s previous performances in energetic films. Suki Waterhouse and Harry Shum Jr. also provide valuable contributions to the cast since they portray their characters authentically believably, as well. His direction makes the audience to be engrossed with the movie despite the major scenes of the movie being they are found in a single room. Tom’s meticulous direction of ‘Burn’ is bristling with tension and utilises newspaper setting to great effectiveness to trustfully convert a gas station to a stage of personal turmoil and moral fluctuations. Musical motif has been chosen to portray the growing pressure within the characters’ heads and to enter the viewers into the characters’ perspectives.The choice of the spots as the plot unfolds is another strong point of Cinematographer’s work. This also increases the claustrophobic atmosphere, as well as the burning feeling which is felt both figuratively and, to some extent, literally. The setting is smartly chosen to symbolize disarray as a status of internal confusion of the characters. Production design ensures that the required suspense necessary for such a thriller is achieved.

Though Burn does not have many spectacular effects, the few that were done are well done, so the realistic depiction of high-intensity scenes is possible. They are blended in, serving as a mutual enhancement to the overall film instead of drawing much attention to itself.

The film is well-edited and this is especially important when one is producing a thriller-mystery type film whose essence is to do with timing and pace. The cuts are conscious to draw the lovers’ attention to the drama happening on screen rather than wasting time on unnecessary embellishments.

In Burn, there is an excellent tempo interpreted in combination with the protagonists’ development. The tempo is set alternatively tense and frenzied, building up a rhythm that will maintain the audience in high alert for the full duration of the movie.

The dialogue of the movie is clean and often ironic, as a testimony of the conditions of the characters’ minds. It brings the reader closer to the further development of the story, opens the layer of characters’ traits and motives and pushes forward the action. It’s also an essential tool to create relationships between characters or advance the narrative tension.

In some cases, Burn loses its balance between the tones and becomes melodramatic at times. That is not to say these aspects diminish the overall impact of Burn; however, the storyline is enthralling enough that such demerits are easily forgotten.

Similarly to watching the film Burn is close to holding a stick of dynamite; thus, do not expect anything less than an intellectual stimulation, constant expectation, and reflection post-filmmaker’s creation. The relationships between characters are not only antagonistic but the play reveals the depth of temperances and becomes shocking and memorable.