Roger Ebert's Perfect Score: A Journey into the Strange and Surreal
In the world of cinema, directors with a penchant for the 'weird' often face a unique challenge: capturing the attention of critics and audiences alike. The pressure to impress movie reviewers can be immense, especially when the industry's focus has shifted to online platforms like Rotten Tomatoes, which can be misleading due to its vast and diverse critic base. This shift has made it increasingly difficult for unconventional and challenging films to stand out.
However, the 1980s offered a different landscape. Major newspapers and news magazines employed multiple film critics, providing a more comprehensive movie guide for audiences. While star-ranking systems offered a quick glimpse into a film's reception, readers still had to delve into the reviews to decide whether a movie was worth their time. And, crucially, many reviewers were mindful of not spoiling crucial plot points.
For independent films with limited marketing budgets and no A-list stars, two names held immense power: Roger Ebert and Gene Siskel. Their thumbs-up or thumbs-down reviews could make or break a film's success. It's no surprise that Ebert, in particular, is often credited with inspiring the creation of Rotten Tomatoes. But it was his support for 'Paperhouse' that truly showcases his unique taste and ability to champion the extraordinary.
A Surreal Adventure
'Paperhouse,' directed by Bernard Rose, is a 1989 fantasy horror film that defies easy categorization. Based on Catherine Storr's children's novel 'Marianne Dreams,' the movie follows Anna Madden (Charlotte Burke), an 11-year-old girl suffering from a high fever who begins to dream of the drawings she makes during her waking hours. The story takes a strange turn when she encounters Marc (Elliott Spears), a character afflicted with muscular dystrophy, who exists in her drawings but not in reality.
Ebert's review captures the essence of 'Paperhouse': 'This is not a movie to be measured and weighed and plumbed, but to be surrendered to.' This film is a surreal journey that blurs the lines between reality and fantasy, with Anna using her dreams as an escape from her unhappy life, including a distant and alcoholic father (Ben Cross). As Anna and Marc's bond deepens, the film becomes a captivating yet unsettling exploration of their relationship and the challenges they face.
Rose's direction is meticulous, and the actors deliver serious and engaging performances. Ebert's review highlights the film's unique appeal: 'Paperhouse' is not just a children's movie, despite its subject matter. It's a thoughtfully crafted fantasy that captivates the audience with its intricate storytelling and logical narrative, inviting viewers to embrace the surreal without judgment.
Today, 'Paperhouse' is available for streaming on Prime Video, offering a chance to experience Ebert's perfect score and explore a film that defies easy categorization, blending horror, fantasy, and a touch of the surreal.
