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movie review - The Cell

the journal of Michael Werneburg

twenty-eight years and a million words

Sydney, 2001.01.15

This is a surprisingly well-filmed flick with a decent plot, good acting, and an interesting premise. It's about a researcher (Lopez) who is working on a new, high-tech means of communicating with people who are unable to connect to the outside world. The plot revolves around her ability to venture into the mind of a near-comatose psychotic who - prior to the accident that leaves him unable to connect to the outside world - has kidnapped a woman and left her in a cell, somewhere. She's contracted by an FBI agent (Vaughn, in a slightly under-written role) to determine the whereabouts of the girl.

She does this, but eventually awakens enough of the kidnapper's damaged psyche to get into trouble. There are some weak points (especially the denouement), but overall, this is worth watching.

As a final note; the cinematography and effects are quite intriguing, so try to see it on the big screen.

Recommended.

rand()m quote

A civilization is a heritage of beliefs, customs, and knowledge slowly accumulated in the course of centuries, elements difficult at times to justify by logic, but justifying themselves as paths when they lead somewhere, since they open up for man his inner distance.

—Antoine de Saint-Exupery