There's an interesting post over at Icons of Fright outlining the difference in subtitles found in the original theatrical release and the new DVD release of Tomas Alfredson's Låt den rätte komma in “Let the Right One In”. In an apparent effort to make the dialog more timid for American audiences much of the film's ironic and dark humor has been removed.

If you are a writer of dialog this is particularly interesting since this is a great example of how small differences can have a huge impact. Dialog is the personality of a film. Changing the words removes the voice of the screenwriter and by extension the film at large.



It is also of interest because this shows clearly how choices made by people completely unrelated to the original production can alter its reception in various parts of the world simply by being in control of translation.

Labels: Let the Right One In, miscellaneous

Swedish director Tomas Alfredson may have created one of the best films of last year and the best horror movie since 28 Days Later. It will be as influential as that genre redefining film as well. This is an atmospheric, creepy masterpiece. Its not often I can watch a film and see a genre shift. To put it simply, if you’re working in the horror genre, you have a new movie you must pay homage to. This praise in place, I cannot recommend it and that pains me to no end.

If I have any rules, any standards at all, there is one that I will simply not bend on: the inclusion of children in a sexual manner. It is not acceptable under any circumstances. In the case of this film the image is literally one second long. Oskar, a distraught, abused teen sparks a friendship with Eli, a strange new girl to the apartment complex. In one brief moment, Eli pubic region is shown when Oskar watches her remove her clothes. It is an unnecessary shot and in my opinion an exploitative one. The actress Lina Leandersson was 13-14 years old at the time of shooting – unacceptable. Even though it is a mere second long, it is still there. Like a finding a booger on your finely cooked steak, the fact that it is there spoils the whole effort. This is all a great shame since this film is one of the best I’ve seen a good long time. Alfredson delivers a moody, nihilistic film that is surprisingly touching. The portrayal of Oskar, who has to suffer the abuses of a smirking bully and endless nights of isolation, is fascinating. Fourteen year old Kåre Hedebrant plays Oskar and pulls out more from his role than most actors twice his age. Hedebrandt possibly gives the best performance in cinema last year, his work as Oskar is moving as believable as any performance I’ve seen. This is critical to the success of the production for without being drawn into the story by his plight, the whole narrative would fail to be more than a version of Twilight for smart kids.

Again, I can’t recommend this film because of the nudity. If you can get your hands on a version sans the child porn, you will find a masterful work.




WELCOME FACEBOOK FOLKS: If you read the review and find yourself all huffy and itchin' to comment - PLEASE READ THE COMMENTS below the post BEFORE you drop your own breathless missive. If you're feeling particularly generous, please try to have something new to add as well. The arguments are getting a tad tedious. Thank you - The Management

UPDATE: I reserve, and do exercise the right to reject any comments. I've have been and will continue to dump comments that:

1. Repeat items mentioned already without adding anything new. Honestly, if you disagree with me good. Bring it on. I can defend my position. But to repeat the same line after its been responded twice already is wasting time.

2. Go on for six pages. If you can't make your point in a few paragraphs then don't bother. I don't have the time to read comments that go on forever and don't feel compelled to force them upon my readers. C'mon, does it take twenty paragraphs to say "Scott, you've made a moral distinction and I don't like it"?

If I accepted every comment I've gotten from Facebook folks, the comment section would be twice as long as it is and be half full with some pretty lame stuff. This isn't a forum page, you don't have the right to have every thought of yours posted here. If you make a good point, I'm more than happy to publish your comment and respond to it - even if it blasts me. Look below, I don't have a problem with that. So, if I reject your comment, it doesn't mean I'm "scared of you", it means you either copied someone else or prattled on and didn't make any sense. Understand, when I publish a negative comment, I feel compelled to respond to it. Responding takes time and I'm a busy guy. I'm more than happy to discuss my opinions, I'm happy to trade jabs, but I'm not wasting my time repeating myself because you're too lazy to read the previous comments or too dull to say something worth responding to.


Related Reviews:
Vampire movies
30 Days of Night (2007)
The Lost Boys (1987)


Other Critic’s Reviews:
Beyond Hollywood
Film School Rejects

Labels: film, Kåre Hedebrant, Let the Right One In, Lina Leandersson, movie review, Tomas Alfredson, vampire