MOVIE
REVIEW: Descent
08/09/07
In recent years Rosario
Dawson has become one of Hollywood's rising stars. Her
performance in films like "Rent" and "A Guide to Recognize
Your Saints" are proof of her outstanding artistic skills as
she is able to embrace each of her characters with wit and
talent. After working with Rosario
in the short film "Little Black Dress", Talia Lugacy
calls on Rosario to take the leading role in "Descent". Film
in which Talia Lugacy makes her debuts as writer/director of
a full feature film.
"Descent" is the story of Maya (Rosario Dawson) a beautiful
and devoted honors college student, who feels lonely and
away from her parents. Maya doesn't think of boys, much less
of wearing makeup.
Up to this point Lugacy is able to give the audience a solid
background as to Maya's personality; basically a 19 year girl reluctant to be
involved in an emotional relationship. Yet this changes when
she meets Jared (Chad Faust) and he asks her on date where
Maya ends up raped. The
unscrupulous act destroys her emotionally leading her to
fall into a deep and dark depression.
The story line develops when suddenly she starts frequenting night clubs,
however there is no
clear explanation from Lugacy as to what leads her to seek
this place, taking into consideration the fact that she is
depressed. It is obvious that the unresolved emotional
turmoil that is happening with Maya leads her into a world of promiscuity and drugs.
One night she meets Adrian (Marcus Patrick) a DJ at a night club she
goes to. Eventually, Adrian helps her over come her
emotional turmoil by embarking her in the most unforgettable revenge.
The concept of a raped
revenge has been presented many times by the film industry.
This movie is no different in its genre, however, what makes
"Descent" different from the others is Lugacy's
audacity to exploit the theme to the point of having the
audience sweating cold scene by scene. The rape and revenge
scenes are so graphically intense and dramatic that leave
the viewers stunned. The film goes where
other productions never went, making the audience feel
Maya's pain and anger. With Talia
Lugacy's brilliant breakthrough and Rosario Dawson's
spectacular and amazing performance this film impresses the mind.
"Descent" is a strong and
emotional film that sets new grounds in the industry. The
film may be disturbing and offensive for some audiences,
who may not appreciate the art displayed by Talia and Rosario
in the making of this film. Yet for those who enjoy a new
line of cinema, this film is a must see.
On a personal note, at
the end of this film I felt what Chan-wook Park's film "Oldboy"
made me feel, stunned.
MORE MOVIE REVIEWS
>>>
Submit Your Movie Review
