By Rafael A. Hernandez
If you recall my earlier review of the epicly awesome (awesomely epic?) anime feature film Akira, then you will definitely be in familiar territory while viewing the film Chronicle. This recent take on the handy-cam genre puts the audience in the perspective of Andrew, one of three high school boys who by means of excavation and mischief, find a translucent rock that triggers telekinetic abilities post contact. With their newly discovered abilities, these boys venture into a realm of inspiring antics and dangerous possibilities.
As the audience looks through the scope with Andrew as the focal point, it is immediately clear that Andrew’s unstable and emotionally hazardous household will be the catalyst to the inevitable conflicts of the film. Initially, Andrew deals with his domestic issues through benign neglect as he attempts to disregard his confrontational drunkard father. The potential death of his ill mother does not bode a happy ending for this impressionable character. After discovering the underground tomb with cousin Matt and friend Steve, the trio proceed to test their psychic abilities. First experimental sessions are playful but subsequent tests display the extremely volatile potency of their telekinesis. Once Steve discovers that he could fly, the other two boys follow in toe and the three take to the skies for a very impressive scene of twilit flight. This aspect of the film is especially astonishing as the handy-cam perspective allows the audience the full whimsical experience of flight. As the characters laugh and savor their growing power, the audience is right there with them…up until that moment when one of the boys is hit by a plane.
The film increases narrative speed as the boys begin to show even more sophisticated uses of their powers, more specifically Andrew, who appears to view his abilities as his one hope for salvation from his miserable life. This attitude eventually culminates in a skewing of Andrew’s ethical and psychological dependability. When his powers fail to save him from public embarrassment and social alienation, his poor attitude shifts to violence, culminating in the ripping of a student’s teeth, beating his father and the murder of his friend Steve. In an effort to take command of his life, Andrew openly uses his powers on the streets, killing local thugs and robbing gas stations to pay for his mother’s medication. This spiral of criminality eventually pits Andrew against Matt, who unlike his murderous cousin, tries to neutralize the situation without harming Andrew.
Chronicle was impressive for its acting and almost shamefully well done cinematography. Being compiled of “found footage”, the film is expected to be of poorer quality than an actual movie. But the film makers set up very clever clues to explain the sophistication of the recording. Pointing an alternate camera at Andrew’s HD labeled camera lets the movie off the hook.
All three main characters are portrayed with clear distinction while at the same time expressing a deep friendship that only occurs under such fantastic circumstances. The boys have their own important role with Andrew as an obvious (but sympathy inspiring) villain, Matt as the level headed every man and Steve as a goal of prosperity for Andrew. These well placed narrative and characteristic pieces make the climax and resolution of the film moving and understandable. One cannot help but satisfyingly agree with the turn of events that occur for the three telekinetic protagonists.
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