Masking Threshold

Wow, so I can't say much without going into spoiler territory but my god this movie is fricking amazing!! I rented it on a streaming site because the trailer looked good, but little did I know how amazing this movie was going to be.

Let me warn you, if you are looking for action you might want to look elsewhere but if you are in the mood for a mental workout then this is your movie. Several things separates this movie for other movies dealing with declining mental states mainly the script, acting and cinematography. The script must have been insane to write. Even when the script gets into scientific minutia it is still compelling enough to keep the layman interested.

The acting is amazing! Basically done in a voiceover, Ethan Haslam does the voice of our main character and he is so compelling that you actually feel his sanity start slipping away.

Shot almost entirely in close up I can't even imagine how this was filmed. If any one of these elements weren't 100% this movie would have failed big time. But everything fit into place and made Masking Threshold a unique and genuinely disturbing movie.

As soon as he put the shelves up on the wall during the first 20 seconds of the movie, I knew what I was in for. Close ups, close-ups and more close-ups... one of those "narrative genre film".

Stay away at all cost... unless you like artsi fartsi pretending to be deep Freudianmadness all narrated by an annoying voice for the entire run time. Like someone said earlier - "this may be the most unnerving film that I watched, but it may also be the one that sticks in my head for the longest".-- BUT NOT IN A GOOD WAY.

With zero doubt I can honestly say that this was the most boring film that I have seen this year.

I would rather watch paint dry or grass grow.

Okay. This is a tough one. I have a range of emotions after watching this movie, it has proposed a lot to think about, and some critical dilemmas too. Johannes Grenzfurthner has put together a risky, experimental, hard-on-senses eldtrich tale of obsession, desperation and the unexplainable. And all for only 20'000 moneys. It's a hard to love film, but it will find its way to its audience. Spiritually and thematically it has parallels with movies like "Primer" and Darren Aronofsky's "Pi", and also has lovecraftian angles.

The entire film consists of pretty much only close-ups, ranging from a few medium shots to a myriad of extreme macro photography. "Masking Threshold" is pure DIY madness, laid over a dangerously patient, but inventive and equal amounts repulsive and fascinating script. It must've taken a seriously long time to make the script a reality, for the monologue practically never ends, and the shot count seems to be unbelievably high. Additionally, the editing and sound design is very well done and fits the storytelling. There's a video-diaryl/youtube/desktop-film/documentary/POV feel and aesthetic, yes, all of those combined in one. 99% of the character spotlight is only on one, Ethan Haslam playing a character whose name we never learn, but he's aptly named "protagonist" on Imdb. The entire movie is narrated by his diary-like thought process, and the task at hand. He has made a make-shift lab in his apartment, and sets out to find a cure or at least a reason for his insufferable hearing impairment. Our protagonist works in IT, is a huge skeptic, desperate, suffering, and going down a deep and otherworldly rabbit hole... The movie, in a way, remains the same until the culmination, but at the same time shifts and turns constantly. In its first half or less, "Masking Threshold" requires an extra patience in answer to its tepid pacing, and quite quickly I learned this film requires pretty much constant focus and thought. But it all leads into more and more distressing vibes and a hands-down weird, grimy and darkly philosophical final act, which I'll admit kept me glued to the screen. At times "Masking Threshold" feels quite distressing, provocative, even repulsive, both visually and thematically. It's hard to pinpoint just one top message or theme, Grenzfurthner's concoction is a story of delusional obsession, a tale of today's society's madness, a modern Lovecraft story, a frightening presentation of nature itself. Despite all its flaws, this independent micro-budget feat is almost never less than fascinating. Granted, if you're prepared to give a chance to a reasonably unorthodox film that stretches and changes many standards of every day films. It's as indie as it gets. I honestly hadn't really seen a film like this before. For those whose interest might be piqued by the lovecraftian angle, I'll admit that one hour into I couldn't really see why it was gaining this reputation, but later and in the afterthought, I have to say, it is boldly and proudly very much along the lines of H. P. Lovecraft's literature and mythos.

In its extremely small, but eventually so vast feeling world, "Masking Threshold" makes itself as big as it could possible be, and might be one of the most original horror film I've seen, and one that gave the biggest mixed bag of feelings. It's not an easy watch, and I believe there are many turn-downs for many people, but overall it's a beast that I can't help but admire in the most odd of ways. I like movies that make me ponder a lot. Very hard to rate it. My rating: 7/10.

Masking Threshold (2021) is a thought-provoking and unsettling film that explores the complexities of sound, perception, and the human psyche. The movie follows a reclusive sound engineer who becomes increasingly obsessed with capturing the perfect sounds, leading him down a rabbit hole of paranoia and madness.

The film's greatest strength lies in its unique approach to storytelling, which is both fascinating and unnerving. The use of sound design is exceptional, creating a sense of tension and unease that permeates every scene. The cinematography is also noteworthy, with a muted color palette and a blend of close-ups and wide shots that adds to the overall sense of claustrophobia.

The lead performance is impressive, with the actor bringing a sense of vulnerability and intensity to the role. The character's descent into madness is both captivating and disturbing, making it difficult to look away from the screen.

One of the standout aspects of "Masking Threshold" is its exploration of themes such as isolation, obsession, and the blurring of reality and fantasy. The film raises important questions about the impact of technology on our lives and the consequences of becoming too detached from the world around us.

If you're a fan of psychological thrillers, experimental cinema, or are simply looking for something that will challenge your perceptions, "Masking Threshold" is definitely worth checking out. However, be warned that the film's slow-burning pace and abstract nature may not be to everyone's taste.

_Pros:_

• Unique and thought-provoking storytelling
• Exceptional sound design and cinematography
• Impressive lead performance
• Explores interesting themes and ideas

_Cons:_

• Slow-burning pace may test some viewers' patience
• Abstract nature may be confusing or off-putting for some
• Limited character development beyond the lead role

Overall, "Masking Threshold" is a haunting and thought-provoking film that will appeal to fans of experimental cinema and psychological thrillers. While it may not be to everyone's taste, it's a movie that will linger in your mind long after the credits roll.

Might be a semi-decent podcast, but it's a terrible movie.

It's made out of a series of extreme close ups, most of which don't really have anything to do with what's being said. It's just headache inducing.

Then there's no story and the narration itself is comprised by things you've already seen or heard around the internet.

The concept and visuals are ok, but I would love to see an actual movie of it instead of just the ramblings of a weirdo. It could be kinda Lovecraftian if it wasn't so pretentious.

The fact that 'you haven't seen anything like it doesn't make it good.

The main fault of this thing is that it got old and boring really fast.

The 4 out of 10 I'm giving it is for what could have been.