Esqueletos en el closet

The film was better than I expected. I have to admit I was skeptical when my Brother's fiance brought this film home. But we were bored and she seemed enthusiastic to see it, since she evidently met the lead actor (Jackson) once.

Right off the bat I was taken aback by a visual display that was far from impressive. I had a problem watching the film because of the (in my opinion) unprofessional camera-work, which became so distracting in parts that I had problems relating with the characters in the film. Some of the interior scenes are shot from a different room than the one the actors are in (literally "peeking" around a corner), seeming to suggest a director of photography with a serious fear of intimacy.

All of my problems with the camera-work aside, I thought the acting in the film was impressive. I have seen several Treat Williams films, and I never thought much of him as a dramatic actor. This was his best performance to date, which isn't saying all that much, but he did a decent job. I am not familiar with whatever soap opera produced Jackson but this film proved all the potential he has. His acting range was impressive and his delivery is exceptional. The only negative thing I can say about the part of Seth, would be, did they have to use so much make-up? I don't think male characters really need to be wearing "fire-engine red" lip-stick.

After all was said and done, I wasn't upset that I watched this film, which means it exceeded my expectations. Plus, with the right crowd, it is a down-right blast to make fun off. But that is only if you are actively trying to antagonize your future sister-in-law.

There's a reason why you've never heard of this movie... it's not any good! However, I must admit that the movie does keep your attention; but that's only because you think the movie's going to be good or the climax will be spectacular. Not so. The film tries to be clever like every other Hollywood thriller by gradually giving pieces of the puzzle; and when the puzzle is finally solved you're not thinking, "Oooohhh, I get it now!," but rather, "Big deal, no surprises there." My overall thought: the film seems more like an episode of a TV thriller (such as Profiler) rather than a movie.

I really liked this movie for the plot but I believe it was a little weak in the acting and the film product could have used some help. The plot was gripping and the main actors that were picked for this film were excellent choices, they were very good at their parts but the minor and extras needed to be a bit more believable. For example the father of Seth's girlfriend was need of some major acting lessons. Plus the directing was great for the angles but it had its inadequate parts like most films. But the again the story line was the strongest and best part of this film and at some of fragments of the film it was the only thing that was kept me watching. I feel that everyone should consider watching this movie.

Jonathan Jackson and Treat Williams (who also played father and son in Deep End of the Ocean), are together again in this eerie movie where again bitterness and resentment prevail between the two.

Jackson plays Seth, a tormented teen with a troubled past...his mom was killed in a house fire when he was just a kid. So he's become a rebel. Seemingly stereotypical, until odd things start happening around town.

Disappearances of people and murders...and Seth's dad suspects him. Is he merely trying to get his son out of the way to make room for new girlfriend/fiancé Linda Hamilton? Or is he looking for a scapegoat to pin the blame on?

One things for certain....

We all have a few skeletons in the closet...

but this time, the skeletons are real.

"Skeletons in the closet" is a movie that is not noisy and action packed like most of the thrillers are. It is quiet and you have to turn up the volume to hear the whisperings of the lead protagonist, Seth, many a time. One thing that I particularly noted in this movie was that there is very little background music interfering with the dialogues, which I really appreciated. In most movies, we can not hear a word of the dialogue due to the background din.

The interesting factor here is the psychoanalysis of this character and how all the other characters relate to him and contributed to his mental status. The movie is based on the theory that a person is severely affected by what s/he experiences as a child. All these emotions are beautifully portrayed by Jonathan Jackson, and you really end up feeling bad for Seth Reed. There are lots of kids being misguided or not guided either-way, within and without their homes, which turn them into confused anti-socials (especially if they already have acquired criminal instincts genetically). These same kids would have had better chances of leading a peaceful existence had they been taken care of and been well-guided. The same way, Seth could have been a successful pianist or anything he wanted to be, had he been saved from what even he himself does not comprehend. This has been portrayed so sensitively and so strikingly that this movie is a must-see for all viewers who like thought provoking stories.

Just like the ambience is quite gloomy throughout the movie, the songs too are melancholic, soulful and beautiful. The theme may not be unique, but the treatment and acting (esp. Treat Williams and Jonathan Jackson) is definitely outstanding and laudable. Excellent movie...