From the start, I did not have high expectations for Nightmare City, but it was a pleasant surprise. I found myself engaged and tense the whole time. Because things constantly happen or build up to happen, it's very easy to overlook some of the minor flaws in logical flow that occasionally pop up. For example, the main protagonist is sent to interview a scientist who is expected and thus must have a scheduled arrival time and flight, but that scientist arrives unexpectedly on an unmarked flight that no person at the airport is expecting or even recognises. It can be explained away, as can virtually all flaws in the film, by the very applicable 'dream logic'. However, it makes one wonder if the film is a chronicle of dreams of the entire city, as the film does not revolve purely around a single character.
In any case, flaws aside, the film is quite well-done in terms of suspense, and it also raises many questions about humanity and its nature, progress, technology, even religion. It is a bit noteworthy in places, even if its commentary may at times seem heavy-handed, quite simply because Anna very factually tells her husband what we don't want to believe and what we don't want them to believe, but what we know is probably true. It is a dire situation with no relief, and the whole thing is terrifying from moment one. The suspense begins almost immediately and simply never lets up. The ending wisely leaves things not entirely resolved, which makes it all the more terrifying.
The performances are passable, with some even crossing over into good territory. Generally the cast, aside from Hugo Stiglitz, are quite good at what they do. Hugo, however, is a tad stiff and fails to emote. However, in some cases it works since Laura Trotter, who is played against him in most scenes, is so emotive and expressive. The music is very atmospheric and tense. The direction and the shots are all very good, though not always ideal. Certainly able and at the very least they do not detract from the tension. The special effects run the gamut from inspired to awful, and it's obvious there was a distinct lack of budget for the film. Still, if the story draws the viewer in, that becomes a secondary concern. At times, the dodgy effects are a relief from being so immersed in such a bleak, tense world.
Overall, a good film for a scare. Not particularly uplifting, not entirely fulfilling, but it raises a few valid questions about modern society and what exactly humanity has done to itself.
In any case, flaws aside, the film is quite well-done in terms of suspense, and it also raises many questions about humanity and its nature, progress, technology, even religion. It is a bit noteworthy in places, even if its commentary may at times seem heavy-handed, quite simply because Anna very factually tells her husband what we don't want to believe and what we don't want them to believe, but what we know is probably true. It is a dire situation with no relief, and the whole thing is terrifying from moment one. The suspense begins almost immediately and simply never lets up. The ending wisely leaves things not entirely resolved, which makes it all the more terrifying.
The performances are passable, with some even crossing over into good territory. Generally the cast, aside from Hugo Stiglitz, are quite good at what they do. Hugo, however, is a tad stiff and fails to emote. However, in some cases it works since Laura Trotter, who is played against him in most scenes, is so emotive and expressive. The music is very atmospheric and tense. The direction and the shots are all very good, though not always ideal. Certainly able and at the very least they do not detract from the tension. The special effects run the gamut from inspired to awful, and it's obvious there was a distinct lack of budget for the film. Still, if the story draws the viewer in, that becomes a secondary concern. At times, the dodgy effects are a relief from being so immersed in such a bleak, tense world.
Overall, a good film for a scare. Not particularly uplifting, not entirely fulfilling, but it raises a few valid questions about modern society and what exactly humanity has done to itself.