Wes Craven is my favorite filmmaker, horror or otherwise. I recognize that’s not the case for everybody, but I love to balance my scares with heart, and Craven understood better than everyone that audiences for the nastiest, gnarliest horror movies needed a reason to care. That reason was often sincere, tender, and at times, profoundly moving. Scream is Scream, yes, but Craven’s handling of Sidney Prescott’s arc is nothing short of a theatrical triumph.
I was first introduced to Craven by way of Ghostface, like so many other moviegoers my age, and while I swiftly went through his entire back catalogue, I was disappointed to come of age in what would really be Craven’s final bow. In 2005, both Cursed and Red Eye were released, though Craven wouldn’t helm another horror movie for five years. Just a year after that, Scream 4 was released, and that now remains the late Craven’s final directorial outing. Cursed and Red Eye, though? What a way to signal a hiatus. I love both tremendously, though I have to give the edge to Red Eye. It’s as tight and controlled a psychological thriller as any, abounding with artistry and care that’s all too rare these days. Guess what? Red Eye is currently streaming free on PlutoTV. Get to it. You’ve got a flight to catch.
Per PlutoTV: Moments after takeoff, Lisa’s seatmate, Jackson, menacingly reveals the real reason he’s on board: He is an operative in a plot to kill a rich and powerful businessman …. And Lisa is the key to its success.
Red Eye is the real deal. Rachel McAdams and Cillian Murphy have such electric chemistry, it renders the antagonistic reveal all the more affecting. It’s seriously tense stuff. More than that, it’s a showcase for everything Craven had perfected over the years. It’s got one hell of a chase scene, for instance, and we even penned an ode to it here at Dread Central.
Reflecting on the artistry of Red Eye, one contributing writer wrote, “Lisa’s evasion of the police and Jackson alike proves a fascinating look into a world before ubiquitous and pristine quality airport surveillance. Were Red Eye made today, it would be impossible to believe somebody could lead the law on a chase through an airport without being identified and nabbed almost instantly. But, in 2005, this is still believable. Lisa manages to throw off both pursuers by hiding behind clipboards and magazines, while her frantic sprinting is likely dismissed by other travelers as just another unfortunate soul late for a flight.”
Red Eye is a time capsule as much as it is a final salute from one of the all-time greats.
What do you think? Are you a fan of Red Eye? Any plans to rewatch the film? Let me know your thoughts over on Twitter @Chadiscollins
Categorized:News
