The World of Horror

Did you collect a lot of confusion from The Collector too?

Ok I have been putting this off for a while. A big while. Several times I have considered reviewing it, but it would only give the wrong impression of the movie. So... I'm going to do something naughty and discuss several confusing factors in depth. Tut tut tut...

If you haven't seen The Collector (2009) yet, then DO NOT READ any further. Seriously, bookmark this page and come back to it after viewing the film. **THIS ARTICLE CONTAINS SPOILERS** and will most likely ruin your experience.

So if you are still reading you have either seen the film or you are ignorant and stupid. Either way works fine for me!

First of all it is worth clarifying that The Collector was a 1963 novel by John Fowles. It has since been the basis and/or inspiration for many 'collections'. In 1965 it was adapted for the big screen, starring Terence Stamp. It has been performed at several theatres since the sixties, its most recent showcase was at the 2009 Edinburgh Fringe Festival by 'Vivid Theatre Company'. It has inspired songs by The Everly Brothers, The Jam, Slipknot and Nine Inch Nails, amongst others. Its basic plot has been re-used for many television programmes, ranging from Criminal Minds to The Simpsons! There have also been many books and comics spawned in its vein and of course has been associated with many serial killers and other criminals.
Fowles own explanation behind The Collector was to show what he felt to be the danger of prosperity and power getting into the hands of those intellectually unsuited to handle it.
Now the 2009 movie The Collector that I am about to discuss is NOT a remake of the 1965 film. Or another adaption of Fowles novel. It is simply yet another story inspired by this age old classic.

There was so much hype surrounding this film on the underground horror scene. Excitement that was aided by Josh Stewart and Andrea Roth taking lead roles, writers from various Saw instalments and a kick-ass soundtrack, evidently I went in with big expectations... I came out feeling like a deflated balloon.
It was a story I already knew so well, thanks to the history I have already covered, so there were no real surprises. The only shock factor relating to the brutality portrayed on the screen (this certainly isn't one for the weak!). The characters that I loathed at the start, I ended up thinking were great, which is annoying. The characters made every single mistake that I anticipated they would and overlooked far too many obvious warning signs that just made them look stupid. Not to mention how the lead seemed to turn from unhealthy looking shifty skank into a mensa worthy superman!! (No that was not a hint of jealousy in my voice!) And the ending?!?! Oh my...
In addition to all of this so much just didn't add up... Our main man Arkin has been working at the house, he knows the situation, wouldn't the sudden appearance of a tethered guard dog not make you double back?! Even just to scout around the house to check for an owner?! And why didn't he question that the burglar alarm was disarmed..? And the films most unforgivable error of all? The timing!!!!
Arkin leaves the house late afternoon. He returns late evening. And we are supposed to believe that 'the collector' set up and did everything that he did in that time?! Remember the vast amount of fish hooks hanging from the ceiling? Or the criss crossed razor wire? If there is someone out there that accomplish all that in that space of time then I want to employ them each year to hang my christmas decorations!!!! Little fiddly jobs like that are time consuming. Its ridiculous. Add to that all of the additional locks, traps, removal of belongings that could be used against him AND the torture already inflicted. Pah! As if!

After that I sat shaking my head each time I heard another conversation about this 'amazing' movie until someone said to me; "Hey you know, maybe you just went into it with too high expectations. Give it another go..." So I did...

And this time I looked beyond Arkins sallow image at the beginning and clocked the cool calm way he dealt with a swarm of wasps. I didn't take his discussions with either of the two daughters as seedy and sneaky as I had the first time round, he was playing to their needs whilst keeping on the right side of the boundaries. And when he later on goes all 'mensa superman' I could kind of see how his character held these fast thinking abilities and this strong sense of self control all along. When the credits rolled this time I wasn't disappointed, just frustrated that I would have to wait for a sequel to answer my questions!

A few weeks later I watched it again and I really enjoyed it! Then I watched it another time with the directors commentary and finally grasped their intentions... They want you to take it all the wrong way first time round. To question those that didn't need to be questioned and to look at things that were actually irrelevant.!
And now? Now I love The Collector! Whilst the timing is still horse shit, the ignorance to both the dog and house alarm irksome, the overall film makes me rather forgiving indeed!

Apparently later this year we will be treated to its follow up The Collection, however this one will get a cinema release, and the story carries straight on from where this one left off, while taking on board that the majority of mainstream audiences won't have seen this initial instalment... I'm looking forward to it. And as long as I get some kind of explanation for the above issues......

I'll be happy!!