> REVIEW
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Chronicle (2012)
What would you do…
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By Simon Francis | February 2012
DIRECTOR: Josh Trank
WRITER: Max Landis (screenplay/story)/Josh Trank (story)
In 1999 the breakout success of The Blair Witch Project spawned a genre of filmmaking committed to the handheld, faux-documentary; a genre almost dried out of its welcome until the Paranormal Activity series (2007 – ) and, of course, Matt Reeves’ Cloverfield (2008) gave it a brief reprieve.
And now comes Josh Trank with his feature debut, Chronicle, a raw and ready, low-budget, sci-fi extravaganza which takes the fantasy of comic book lore and combines it with a very real look into teenage life.
Our three, unknown leads, Andrew, Matt and Steve (Dane DeHaan, Alex Russell and Michael B. Jordan) develop amazing telekinetic powers after discovering and being exposed to some otherworldly, glowing crystals found deep within a cave.
Through Andrew, and other means, the trio document their new found abilities which include moving objects with their minds and even levitating. But the fun quickly becomes reality when Andrew uses his powers to throw another vehicle off the road almost killing its passenger and rules are set in place before more innocent people are hurt.
Scripted by Max (son of John) Landis, Chronicle touches upon the various aspects of school life; in the three friends you have the popular kid, the stoner and the outcast, creating a strong mix of conflict and empathy. It gives the film genuine emotional weight as the three grow close, gain popularity and ultimately develop their powers, becoming stronger and more powerful.
Trank also dispels with the usual origin staples (it’s never explained how they got their powers) and smartly opts for the entertainment factor. Through the doc-style footage you have the hilarity of Jackass style pranks, a relation to teenage angst and towards the climax the impressive effects of a big budget, Marvel blockbuster.
Script…………………………………………………………………………………………….
Smart, original and distinctly modern. There are some missing and contrived
beats, while the addition of Andrew’s sick mother and abusive father feels too
easy. But all in all this is an innovative subversion of the genre with genuine,
relatable characters. 4
Direction………………………………………………………………………………………..
Armed with just a $15 million dollar budget and an indie sensibility, Trank takes
on the Marvel and DC heavy hitters and betters many of their recent efforts.
The hand held footage is effective, though it does beg the question of how many
ways can a professional fake an amateur cam? 3
Verdict…………………………………………………………………………………………..
Who doesn’t want to be a teenager with superpowers? 4
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