Same/Similar: 'The Apparition' and Hammer Films' 'The Quiet Ones'

Just posted the trailer for 'The Apparition', which strikes me as having an original conceit -- tough to do in the crowded B-horror paranormal activity genre. (You might want to watch the trailer before continuing).

Here's the voice-over from the beginning of the trailer:

• "There is a scientific theory that paranormal events are products of the human mind and ghosts only exist because we believe in them. A team of researchers set out to prove this theory and create a supernatural entity with their minds. The experiment was a success."

This idea sounded familiar. I was sure I had heard that pitch before. And, I had. It's the storyline for 'The Quiet Ones' being produced by Hammer Films.

This from the movie's production announcement page:

• ...The Quiet Ones tells the story of an unorthodox professor who uses controversial methods and leads his best students off the grid to take part in a dangerous experiment: to create a poltergeist. Based on the theory that paranormal activity is cause by human negative energy...

'The Quiet Ones' will be directed by John Pogue (assuming Hammer goes forward with it). Pogue directed 'Quarantine 2: Terminal' but is best known for writing 'U.S. Marshals', 'The Skulls', 'Rollerball', and 'Ghost Ship', and for producing 'The Fast and the Furious'.

Pogue contributed to the script for TQO along with Craig Rosenberg and Tom de Ville. But, also lending a hand with the screenplay is Oren Moverman who wrote and directed 'Rampart' and 'The Messenger'. Taken together, I'd say Hammer has an excellent property despite coming in second with an idea (very) similar to that of 'The Apparition'. (TQO is currently in pre-production while TA will roll out August 24). 

TA looks competent -- glossy, hits its marks, etc. -- but I'll bet, considering who's involved, TQO will turn out to be more rewarding, or at least more substantial.  TA looks to be the start of a franchise, while TQO seems stand-alone.

It'll be fun comparing the two.












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New Rampart Featurette

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2 New Clips from Woody Harrelson's 'Rampart'

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I'm in Love with this new Poster for 'Rampart'

American style with Euro sensibility.

One of the best of the year. Must-see. Gotta-see. Can't wait to...okay, I'll stop.

Can't wait to see this. (Couldn't stop).

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Watch First 5 Minutes of Woody Harrelson's 'Rampart'

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Clip from Woody Harrelson's 'Rampart'

There's a jink here and there that wouldn't make it into most big-budget movies, but that's part of the charm, part of what makes this play real. Really, the fly that buzzes around in the middle of this clip would ruin the take in a movie with a more conventional feel. Here, that fly enhances the 'you-are-there' feel. Considering the whole LA Rampart thing, it's appropriate.

Ice Cube's vérité acting technique helps. I love that Harrelson struggles to keep a straight face after shooing the fly away. Clip clicks, vibrates with life. Looking forward. Must see.















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