Before I go into how much I love The Green Inferno, let me start by saying the first 20 – 30 minutes wasn’t great, mainly because our main character Justine (Lorenza Izzo) has an atrocious roommate Kaycee (Sky Ferreira), whose 1990’s grunge, forced, hipster dialogue was one of the most horrific things in this film.
I realize that the films director, Eli Roth, was going for with this, but it is either some of the worst acting I have ever seen or the best, Ferreira deserves an Oscar! I have seen this film 3 times and still can not decide what side of the fence I am on.
Now that the worst part of the film is out of the way, let’s get to the good stuff!
I personally believe this is Roth’s best film! Shooting 4k (digital) along with the films soundtrack really helps bring the jungle to life and ultimately the fear that our characters feel. The opening scene is just stunning and mimics Stanley Kubrick’s opening shot of “The Shining.” The classic panoramic, creepy helicopter shot, over the Amazon River really gives the viewer an idea of just how small and insignificant the activists are in this film.
The colors are so brightly saturated and beautifully contrasted, if it wasn’t for the screaming students and some gore, you would swear you were watching Planet Earth. Most of the film is shot during the day, so this color is present throughout most of the film and it makes a horrifically violent film incredible to watch.
The real life atmosphere of the jungle in “The Green Inferno” makes the biggest film of the year, “Jurassic World’s,” environment look dated and fake.
If there is one thing Roth does well it is a psychological thrill ride, full of twists and turns of human emotion. I would say the main “villain” in the film, ironically enough is not the tribes’ people… and just when you thought you couldn’t hate this person any more, this person goes on to do something so revolting, you want to cringe. Roth knows exactly when to place these moments and he placed them well throughout “The Green Inferno.”
I feel like people hear the name Eli Roth and they expect the most bloody, violent, disgusting film of the year… Is this film that gory? I didn’t think so… I don’t think this film had any more blood than say Tarantino’s “Django Unchained.”
With that said, Greg Nicotero and his effects company did a great job using practical effects throughout the film. All of these effects could be shown in broad daylight and still look realistic. I commend Roth for using real effects… Ultimately, it will make the film hold up better over time.
The DVD will be released on January 5th, 2016, however VOD will have it available later this month!
