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Louisiana native Mark Duplass has made quite a name for himself both behind and in front of the camera. From HBO’s Togetherness to Hannah Take the Stairs, he’s got a strong indie following that swears allegiance to his abilities. His psychotic turn in the found-footage horror film Creep, opening in theaters this weekend, is a testament to just how insanely talented he is as he turns charm into crazy and dials in a memorable performance.
Written and directed by Patrick Brice, Creep is a film that builds its total affect upon Duplass’ performance. There are only two characters in the film: one is Brice who plays Aaron, a filmmaker who answers a Craigslist advertisement to help Joseph (Duplass) record 8-hours of his life for his unborn son. If you are reminded of Michael Keaton in My Life, well, you are exactly right. Duplass’ character suffers from an inoperable brain tumor and wants his son to see what he was like. Brice, for $1000, agrees to create this video diary for him.
Except…
The awkward situations begin with what Joseph refers to as “Tubby Time” and watching him sit in a bathtub, with candles lit, while he pretends to wash his son and play with him is as uncomfortable and intriguing as it sounds. The point is that, throughout the movie, you simply can’t look away. Duplass’ performance is that demanding.
I should say no more. For the narrative - which was inspired by a story both Brice and Duplass hammered out - to achieve maximum impact, that’s all you get of the set-up. Just know this: Brice, as a film director, knows EXACTLY how to build suspense when we already know what to expect. Several moments of tension in the film – including both day and nighttime shoots – had me completely stressed out as the two become unlikely pals.
Duplass, let it be known, is an absolute maniac in front of the hand-held digital camera in Creep and I LOVED every minute of his performance as his range is both unsettling and dynamic. You never know where he is going (at any moment, there’s comedy and horror) but you make damn sure to pay attention to his every word. Think in terms of What About Bob? cross-pollinating with Pacific Heights and you will begin to understand just what dementia is needed to enjoy the film.
Interestingly enough, Creep – which is making its debut this weekend in theaters – has been available on Netflix for a while now. A sign of how well the film tiptoes up on you? Maybe. It’s always been out there and you never knew it. Scary. Regardless of the platform, it is a bold move from Blumhouse Productions to have the movie so easily accessible this quickly.
Minimalistic and damned effective, Creep makes for a solid Friday night of fear.
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[tab title="Film Details"]
MPAA Rating: R for brief violence and language.
Runtime: 82 mins
Director: Patrick Brice
Writer: Patrick Brice, Mark Duplass (story)
Cast: Patrick Brice, Mark Duplass
Genre: Horror | Drama
Tagline: Creep
Memorable Movie Quote: "Tubby time."
Distributor: The Orchard
Official Site:
Release Date: No wide theatrical release
DVD/Blu-ray Release Date: No details available.
Synopsis: When a videographer answers a Craigslist ad for a one-day job in a remote mountain town, he finds his client is not at all what he initially seems.
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[tab title="Blu-ray Review"]
No details available.
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