As one of North America's most renowned and authoritative film critics, Roger Ebert underwent surgery for thyroid cancer in 2008. Since then, the number of his film reviews had notably decreased. Moreover, due to the effects of long flights, he couldn't attend the major European film festivals, often waiting until films were released in North America before writing his reviews.
However, Toronto was conveniently located nearby in North America, and it had risen to the ranks of the fourth-largest international film festival in terms of influence. Therefore, Roger arrived in Toronto on time and immediately joined in the festival's celebrations.
Seeing Roger's reviews in the official program was only natural. Yet, the surprise came when people noticed that his reviews appeared for both "The Town" and "Buried". This left countless people astonished.
As everyone knew, the screening of "The Town" yesterday attracted a massive turnout, with nearly all the heavyweight film critics attending the red carpet event. In contrast, the screening of "Buried" was rather modest, lacking any comparability. However, judging from the current situation, after watching "The Town", Roger had specifically attended the screening of "Buried" later that night, despite not feeling well.
What did this signify? Perhaps some clues could be gleaned from Roger's reviews.
"An almost impossible challenge, an almost perfect answer" was the title of Roger's review, clearly expressing his viewpoint.
"The locked-room film genre has always had great works. How to manage shots and perspectives within a confined space is the first challenge. How to shape characters and expound themes within limited performance space is the second challenge.
In "Buried", this challenge is taken to its pinnacle. The entire story unfolds within a coffin, with only one actor on screen, taking the genre to its extreme.
Within such an extreme framework, Cortés' control over audience emotions is undoubtedly successful. He not only exhibits remarkable pacing control, capturing the audience's attention with a rollercoaster of a plot, but also demonstrates considerable talent in creating atmosphere. This recalls M. Night Shyamalan's creative touch in "The Sixth Sense", where he tightly held onto the rope of hope amid thriller and suspense, maintaining suspense until the very last moment. Particularly noteworthy is the director's use of the 2.35 aspect ratio, which maximizes the real effect of claustrophobia.
I definitely wouldn't enjoy being buried alive.
With such limited resources, performing is an undoubtedly daunting challenge. However, Hall is an extremely talented actor. He not only excels in his role but also fulfills his duty exceptionally, showcasing his talent and foundation to the fullest. In many scenes, his eyes convey myriad emotions, and all the complexities and surging feelings are conveyed in the simplest manner, providing the most profound experience. Watching Hall's performance is a pleasure. Under his interpretation, the film not only possesses persuasiveness and evokes audience emotions but, more importantly, elevates the theme.
In the face of the national machinery and large corporations, one's vulnerability and desolation as an independent individual are evident. A single "I'm sorry" can't bear the weight of life!
Purely from a script perspective, this is not a successful work. The absence of details and the limitations of its scope restrict its depth. However, it is a triumph of performance. The amplification and exploration of emotions allow the audience to authentically experience a roller coaster of ups and downs. The fear and relief after watching are the true signs of the film's success.
A simple wooden box, one actor, produced a suffocating masterpiece. This was an almost impossible challenge, yet Cortés turned in an almost perfect answer. More importantly, it introduced the audience to Renly Hall for the first time."
Roger is currently the most influential film critic in North America. He's not only the first to win the Pulitzer Prize for Criticism, but also has his own television program and established his own film festival. His film reviews have become a literary form widely recognized.
In Roger's review system, everything is "relative, not absolute". He believes that when someone asks if "Hellboy" is outstanding, they're not asking if it's better than "Mystic River", but whether it's better than "The Punisher". So, Roger gives his judgment. If "Hellboy" gets three points, then "The Punisher" gets two.
Therefore, when reviewing "Buried", Roger also mentioned that it's a film that tests the audience's nerves and doesn't recommend watching. On a scale of four stars, he gave it two stars and stated, "Danny Boyle's "127 Hours" will be released tomorrow, also telling the story of a lone survivor in dire straits. These two films might be discussed together."
Compared to "The Town", Roger showed even greater interest in "Buried", particularly his admiration for Renly. This drew numerous eyes.
Unlike "The Pacific" or the Emmy Awards, this is the Toronto Film Festival, a gathering of top filmmakers from around the world. Even a relatively unknown independent film like "Buried" can capture everyone's attention if it's outstanding enough. Clearly, "Buried" seized this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. After Variety and Roger's articles, the attention of the other seven reviews was also captured.
Elizabeth Wiseman, a film critic for The New York Times, is a prominent figure in North America, holding a position at the nation's foremost newspaper. Her perspective is undoubtedly worth considering. This time, she joined the ranks of her colleagues, offering praise for the film in her commentary:
"Rough yet delicate, simple yet profound, the film reveals a vast world beneath its confined setting. It authentically and believably presents the ebb and flow of all emotions, pushing the limits of self-rescue within a closed space. Yet what's truly reflected is the complexity and vulnerability of human nature. When the cast list appears, every viewer becomes immersed in darkness, unable to escape. This is the director's success, and even more so, the actor's success. Undoubtedly, this is the most intriguing film since the Toronto opening this year."
The review in Vanity Fair was written by Claude Puig. Similar to Roger, this independent film critic primarily manages his own film review website. His reviews can appear in any magazine or newspaper. However, since signing with "Vanity Fair" last year, his reviews have found a consistent platform.
Receiving the favor of Vanity Fair itself indicates Claude's excellence. What's even more important is that Claude, with the influence of his online platform, is highly sought after among the youth. This is his greatest advantage.
"Hall's performance is undoubtedly gripping. Just half a year ago, this newcomer was still an obscure actor. He first delivered Emmy-level performance in "The Pacific" and then offered an Oscar-level performance in "Buried", instantly achieving a stunning feat!
The film is remarkably clever. Unlike tomorrow's release of "127 Hours", it doesn't have as many resources. Its budget is three million, merely one-sixth of the latter's. However, it relies on the brilliant performance of its actors and resonates perfectly with real life, showcasing the script's ambitious goals. Bearing such rich themes while being confined to a narrow space, the film undoubtedly faced formidable challenges. The slightest deviation could have turned it into a soporific lullaby. Luckily, it had Hall."
Claude's film review placed nearly all its weight on Renly's shoulders. He emphasized, "Hall is undoubtedly the biggest discovery from 2010 until now! Filled with surprises." Clearly, Vanity Fair also expressed agreement.
Meanwhile, Michael Phillips' review for Hollywood Reporter stated, "Should the Oscar judges cast their votes for this unheard-of "Buried"? Perhaps they should cast their votes for Renly Hall."
First Venice, then Toronto—the annual award season has gradually begun. While the real battle won't ignite until October, evidently, as the vanguard, Toronto's film critics are already impatiently invoking the ultimate goal of the Oscars. Among them, standing prominently alongside Variety as the most authoritative and professional magazines in Hollywood is Hollywood Reporter.
"This is a work that prioritizes visual impact. The ups and downs, twists and turns of the plot bring the audience pure and simple enjoyment—thrilling and exhilarating. Hall's talent is on full display. He fully utilizes the confined space to showcase explosive acting. The stage of this solo performance brilliantly presents the essence of emotions, drawing the audience into a true world within "Buried". Hollywood judges, it's time to set your sights on this twenty-year-old newcomer actor. God, this is only his second work in his career."
From Hollywood Reporter's review, a glimpse of the industry's dynamics can be seen. In the Oscar race, Toronto has already produced the first batch of contenders. Now, it seems that Renly has won at least one supporter.
Amidst the surging tide of praise, "Buried" was thrust before the public eye after its screening, seemingly on par with last night's "The Town". This was truly unexpected by everyone. However, among the nine reviews in the official festival booklet, not all were praises. Three reviews expressed negative viewpoints, marking the first discordant note after the conclusion of the screening.