Retro Film Review: Alone in the Dark (2005)
The author of this review has had numerous disappointing encounters with films failing to live up to their initial critical and box-office hype. Unsurprisingly, experiences with both critical and commercial failures were equally disheartening. Nevertheless, there are occasions when films widely regarded as the cinema industry's equivalent of toxic waste surprisingly turn out to be rather enjoyable. In the case of the 2005 action horror film Alone in the Dark, a "pleasant experience" simply means it is "not as dreadful as director Uwe Boll's reputation suggests."
The film's plot draws from the 1990s Alone in the Dark video game series, known for its survival horror genre. The main character, Edward Carnby (portrayed by Christian Slater), is a survivor of a traumatic childhood event that instilled in him a deep fear of the dark. After working for Bureau 713, the government's paranormal investigation agency, he now operates as a private detective. Carnby comes into possession of an artefact from the Abkani, an ancient American civilisation that mysteriously disappeared 10,000 years ago. This acquisition makes him the target of assassins hired by Prof. Lionel Hudgens (played by Matthew Walker), a former researcher from Bureau 713 who seeks to open portals between our world and a realm inhabited by sinister shadow-like creatures.
Alone in the Dark should not be mistaken for a quality film. Its poor performance at the box office is understandable, yet the excessive criticism from reviewers borders on the pathological. The film indeed suffers from dreadful dialogue, misplaced narration by the protagonist, subpar editing, and numerous other questionable creative choices. However, the casting stands out positively, with seasoned actors like Slater and Stephen Dorff (portraying Carnby's former colleague) delivering relaxed performances. Some action sequences are well-executed, and even the conclusion, typically a weak point in mainstream Hollywood films of this genre, manages to make some semblance of sense.
While "Alone in the Dark" falls short of being recommended, it does provoke intriguing discussions about why its creator is burdened with such infamy while other creators of similar quality are not. One theory suggests a conspiracy involving German tax laws, with Boll exploiting a loophole by intentionally producing box office failures. Another explanation could lie in Boll serving as a lightning rod for critics, unfairly bearing the brunt of criticism they hesitate to direct towards mainstream Hollywood productions. Regardless, "Alone in the Dark" surpasses expectations, although given the director's reputation, this achievement is nothing to write home about. In 2008 a sequel under title Alone in the Dark II, directed by Michael Roesch and Peter Scheer, was released and, unsurprisingly, received much better treatment by reviewers.
RATING: 3/10 (+)
(Note: Original version of the review is available here.)
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