4 Pulses

The recent trend to adapt video games into film has had some interesting outcomes. It has been noted by critics and film goers that Silent Hill might make more sense if you’ve played the game. It is important, then, that I admit I have played the game, beat it and thoroughly enjoyed myself.

Even so, Silent Hill left many questions unanswered. There are a great many mysteries semi-explained and alluded to during the 127 minutes of the film, and yet, the end scene reneges everything.

Depending on perception, this can be a good or bad thing. If one enjoys leaving a movie with something to think about, this is a great way to finish. However, if one likes to leave the theatre with the feeling of relief that comes with a puzzle solved, then this film will undoubtedly be remembered as agitating and obnoxious. The screenplay was cooperatively written by Roger Avary (Reservoir Dogs, Pulp Fiction) and Colton D. Cotton (The Hills Have Eyes, 2006), a pair who’s individual styles combine into a unique product.

Plot aside, the visual aspects of the film are delicious. Constantly falling ash creates a foggy effect in the ghost town of Silent Hill, where Rose DaSilva (Mitchell) brings her daughter and loses her. While running through the streets looking for little Sharon DaSilva (Ferland), Rose is pursued by a cop (Holden) who clocked her speeding, a slew of demonic creatures who arise out of the ash and darkness and peculiar townspeople who find sanctuary in the cathedral of their cultish church.

If it’s possible to

get past the opening scenes, which are

quite weak, then Silent Hill will prove itself

to be a respectable

horror film.