Chronicle Review

Where does one begin to formulate the sentences to describe the brilliance behind this film? Yes, many “found footage” films have reached audiences over the years and most, if not all, were poor attempts at emulating The Blair Witch Project, the grandfather of found footage cinema. Chronicle is able to achieve a higher level of audience participation and extends the genre without having to fall back on outdated camera tricks. Chronicle brings something entirely new to the table and channels this with ingenious directing techniques.

A lost boy, his free thinking nephew and the popular kid in school are woven into the plot like a perfectly stitched Armani suit. They struggle against a society of misfits, using escapist techniques to deflect their situation. The film is introduced to the viewer very flauntingly, with high school teenager Andrew Detmer (Dane Dehaan) videotaping his life. Adrew’s character, the anchor of the plot, is an unpopular and bullied teenager, being the protagonist in a seemingly antagonistic world. The three teenagers discover a hole in the ground, after a rave. They find the existence of an extra terrestrial “bulb” and it seems to distort the camera and affect the teenagers on a spiritual and physical level. They are reborn after their encounter, both with telekinetic  powers and a new found courage to face their antagonistic world.

The plot is playfully interspersed with the almost child-like discovery of the character’s powers, with Andrew’s cousin Matt (Alex Russel), finding a self-fulfilled prophecy within his powers. Slowly they become more powerful and are able to adjust their powers accordingly. Steve (Micheal B. Jordan) discovers that his power enables him to fly and the characters take on a whole new appearance in their quest for fulfillment.

The film’s progression clearly defines the social commentary of good vs. evil and how power is able to corrupt even the best of people. Andrew becomes increasingly agitated as he attempts to do good with his power, yet always fails miserably. Andrew’s cousin, Matt, finds comfort in his awkwardness as he approaches a potential romantic interest with Casey (Ashley Hinshaw), the popular camera blogger.

The brilliance of Chronicle lies not within the tricky camera techniques or the consummate special effects, but within the heart of this story, filled to the brim with philosophical and religious allusions and allegories. There is a specific scene where all three characters discuss traveling with their flying powers to different areas of the world. Andrew interjects and explains how he would like to visit Tibet and the Buddhist monasteries, because “they would understand [us]”. This is how this film operates, interspersed with references to enlightenment, Darwinian survival and allegorical quips, such as Plato’s cave allegory when the teenagers discover the extra terrestrial entity.

The excellent acting of the entire cast accentuates the experience of Chronicle. The moments are believable and the hope for salvation for these characters becomes a violent cat and mouse game with the viewer. Alex Russel clearly stands out within this small group of actors and delivers blow after blow of morality and quintessence of his character, without the cheesy droppings of a preaching.

The film explodes into a climactic finale, with the corruption of power and the questioning of true morality. The finale defines the theme of Darwinian survival and Apex predator theories and begs the questions, is morality and the saving of life more important than becoming the most powerful predator to rule the world? Were these powers given to do good or to rule your own life? Most importantly, where does the line get blurred which defines a great deed and a quest for power?

All in all, Chronicle delivers in so many ways and is quite easily one of the best found footage films ever made, excluding the magnificent hype factor of Blair Witch. It does not merely tell a story with scary spooks, but contains many emotional elements of survival and friendship. It retells the story of good vs. evil in a semi-biblical manner, blurring the lines at times. It is excruciatingly beautiful and awe-inspiring, especially the flying scenes.  I am in awe of this film and what it was able to achieve. It is a ground breaking masterpiece and an absolute must watch!

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