Could there ever be any true justice in adapting arguably the pinnacle work of one of the most influential writers in human history, on film? In the past 100 years, many attempts have certainly tried. Some better than others. Indeed, capturing the genius of Poe's plot, pacing and virtuoso storytelling, is nothing trivial, nor any small endeavor.
After watching it for the 1st time, I could imagine the viewing of this film to other audience members being just as potent and revelatory today, as it must have been to the readers, discovering this masterpiece of storytelling in 1843. That, in my opinion, was where those other adaptations on celluloid had fallen short...and where this one has captured both the essence and the madness of this story, so brilliantly.
The Tell Tale Heart (2020) is reverential to Edgar Allen Poe while at the same time, tipping its hat to some of my own favorite modern masters of the cinema, such as Stanley Kubrick, Brian DePalma, Sam Raimi, Adrian Lyne, and David Fincher.
This short film excels and revels in its production values. The pacing, like a panic attack of the senses. Starting out innocent (with many clever moments of foreshadowing) then it just builds and builds until it achieves a fever pitch of insanity. It knows all of the skills that can pull in the viewer, captivating their full attention and it uses all of them. A completely immersive score and sound design that grabs you, hard. Clever editing, wardrobe and set decoration that bridge the dimensions of time, location and our perceptions of what is real vs. imagined, so very well. The quality of its special make-up effects are what you would typically find in a production of far greater cost or size, and therefore are another unexpected treat. The cinematography is painterly and inspired, elevating its craft to pure cinematic art.
Lastly, is the performances of its actors, especially that of The Narrator, (played deliciously by Sonny Grimsley). On par with a performance of intensity and nuance that I would have expected out of a young Jack Nicholson, Kevin Spacey or Anthony Hopkins.
Finally, we now have a fantastic interpretation of Poe's masterwork to enjoy, on film! One that truthfully lives up to its source material and in some aspects, elevates it. I say to you, watch this film. Loud. In the dark. And if possible, not alone.
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