Panic Room

I'm a huge fan of David Fincher's work. To me his best movies happen to be "SE7EN", "Fight Club' and "Zodiac". And while "Panic Room" is a good flick it doesn't hold up well to post-viewing analysis.There is much that can be considered to be quite contrived. For example her daughter who goes into diabetic shock if she doesn't get her emergency injection. Or the typical scene where her ex shows up to try to rescue them. I could go on but those are two examples that remain in my mind. Even the ending is rather anticlimactic in light of what was viewed.So why watch this if the plot relies on clichés? As Fincher proved in his numerous works he is a master of setting up some very good camera shots and "impossible" camera moves. And while it's all the more obvious that he's relying upon CGI (the shot of the flashlight within the wiring conduit is a prime example of overuse) some are just simply very interesting to view. Such as the opening traveling shot which is essentially a tour of the house. The camera appears to float around from upstairs to downstairs and even pass through the handle of a coffee mug in one unbroken take and is fairly seamless until it "passes through" the floors. The opening credits deserve a quick mention as the titles are laid out among the buildings of New York and perfectly rendered in a silvery font and casting shadows across the cityscape as through they're part of the landscape. It's an attempt at style attempting to cover up the lack of substance, though. It's still neat to view.The acting is top notch from all involved. The standout is Dwight Yoakam's character who elevates the stakes as a psychotic killer who doesn't mind killing off one of his crew in cold blood. Forrest Whittaker holds his own as he tries to keep the situation from spiraling further out of control as the leader of the burglary gang. And I have no complaints about Jodie Foster's performance. It doesn't come close to her role in "Silence Of The Lambs" but it's still serviceable.But why the high rating? The three-disc special edition is something worth savoring for anyone who wants to know more about David Fincher and his crew's creative process. Much is revealed as to the use of CGI, the location shooting, sound design and much more. From top to bottom this is one of the most detailed documents of how the movie was put together. Compared to the two-disc edition of "SE7EN" this is even more detailed. The multiple feature commentaries are good but the special features spread across two additional discs are by far more in-depth. Compared to the 2-disc special editions of "Fight Club", "Zodiac" and even "Benjamin Button" I have a feeling that the need to overcompensate was mandatory for a rather average thriller.So it's an average movie just chock full of neo-noir eye candy. There are much worse "thrillers" out there so it could've been much worse. But the extensive features concerning the filmmaking process are worth viewing. Compared to the original single-disc SuperBit release it's an improvement. If you're a film geek then this is worth a purchase. Everyone else should stick with the single-disc release.

I'm reluctant to make lengthy comments on films about which hundreds of others have already posted, it seems like a waste of time, so I will just make a few observations about "Panic Room".The most important thing was that it instantly pulled me in and took me for a ride for the entire two hours. That does not happen often, particularly for a film that I was late seeing and about which I therefore had tons of preconceived notions. I was pleased with how well they established the basic premise of the film at the beginning, something that had seemed silly in the trailers was perfectly credible in the actual film. The $95 Million U.S. box office must have happened from word-of-mouth because the trailer simply does not do the film justice.There were only minor plot holes, although the lame way that Meg and her daughter initially get into the panic room almost derails the whole thing. And I still find it inconceivable that $48 Million had to be spent on what is really a very small film. Since so little of the budget ever makes it onto the screen they would have been better served with the creative incentive of a smaller budget.Nicole Kidman was originally cast to play Meg but hurt her knee and had to drop out. I don't think they lost anything by bringing in Jodie Foster, I can't imagine Kidman doing any better, Meg's kind of brainy stubborn scrapper is Foster's specialty. And she is much better from a physical casting perspective, as Kristen Stewart looks like she could actually be Foster's daughter. In fact, there were more that a few times when I momentarily got the two of them confused. This was very appropriate because "Panic Room's" heroines are not the usual film-fare mother and daughter (one strong and one weak), but rather a "like mother-like daughter" situation. I think Stewart has a great future in films (see "Speak" for a example of her ability to carry a whole feature) and it was nice that she got a chance so early in her career to work closely with Foster.I was particularly impressed with the pacing of this story and its similarity to chess masters hiding one line of attack inside another. The battle progresses much like a chess match, as pieces are lost the layout becomes less familiar and the alternatives fewer. As the two sides use up resources and get sucked in deeper, their earlier choices limit the choices that are available to them. This chess-like process holds until the very end of the film.Then again, what do I know? I'm only a child.

After seeing David Fincher's Seven & Fight Club, I was looking for other films by him that might interest me and also find films from the past that I missed. When I checked out his 02 thriller "Panic Room" it sounded interesting and I'm glad I ordered it.The plot is simple. A divorced mother, Meg and her daughter, Sarah just moved into their new home in New York. It's very big, roomy, lots of space to move around, comes with a elevator and a panic room. During the night, Meg tries setting up the phone lines but is too tired and hits off to bed, not knowing she turned on the panic room. Unable to sleep she goes to the bathroom. When Meg returns she notices the panic room monitors are on and is shocked to see three intruders have broken into her house.Meg gets Sarah out of her bedroom and barely makes it to the panic room before the three men can get them. What follows is a very intense story with Meg and Sarah trying to get help while the intruders try different ways of getting into the panic room. Very well shot film, interesting characters, and I love how it takes place during a single night during a rain storm.Overall a very good film!

Again super cool Jodie foster plays petite mum coping with teenage daughter in this taut thriller with the whole movie set within a house,worried about security she moves into a home with a you guessed it a panic room,and for the sake of a good movie she ends up having to use it,like her other movie Flight plan, Jodies chracter has to up her game and toughen up to survive three burgulars who try to overcome her.This is a tense tight movie that amazes in Jodies chracter tight escapes and stamina at staying one step ahead of the three invaders found the film quite comic in places,almost a grown up take on the home alone theme,with the three invaders being thwarted at every turn, but there are also some violent scenes,which reminds you of the reality of the situation,tense tight script ,great acting with Jodie Foster,Forest Whittaker,Jared leto,Dwight Yokam plus great camera angles ensure a great thriller.

Love this movie and have re watched several times. Jodie foster is fab as usual as is the rest of the cast. Love movies where you can think what would I do in that situation and this is definitely one of those. If you haven’t seen this what are waiting for, buy it now!

I don't get put on the edge of my seat easy but gosh this did do it. Only 3rd film to make me jump whilst keeping my eyes hooked to the screen, fast delivery, perfect condition, amazing film. Fear, drama and action in one and the love of parents

i like this film alot i love the intense scenes and the eating expect from when junior ( jared leto ) gets shot sorry i spoiled it well a part from that its a good film and you have to buy it it also is kristen stewents first film fast delivery and no damage

Jodie Foster at her best. Really frightening. Just shows what can happen to a mum and daughter alone. When crooks think there's loafs of money hidden. Don't miss this film you'll regret it ladies if you do.