Look (2007)

O Masterpiece
O Excellent
X Good
O OK
O Mediocrity
O Avoid

Review by Jason Pyles / April 22, 2008

Arguably, the greatest aspect of watching films is experiencing them without truly living the harrowing experiences depicted onscreen. “Look” employs an intriguing gimmick that capitalizes on the relative innocence and comfort of our theater-seat perspective: It is filmed to give the illusion that we are watching the actual raw footage from various surveillance cameras. Naturally, the people filmed are committing sexual, illegal, dishonest, mischievous, criminal, and disgusting acts; basically, they are caught doing anything and everything that they wouldn’t want anyone else to see them doing.

Though the film attempts to portray the footage as actual events, it is all fictitious. The rough nature of the movie conveniently disguises its low budget. But two oddities remain: Most of the footage is in color, which is rare for surveillance cameras, and there are an unlikely number of camera angles, enabling a comprehensive capture of the action.

“Look” is a useful film for its valuable cautionary tales. We are shown and therefore understand how easy it is to succumb to the stupidity and pitfalls often associated with human nature. We are voyeurs who get a fly-on-the-wall perspective, peering into the lives of unsuspecting characters as they make the worst mistakes of their lives. “Look” follows several small stories, but the two most impactful story arcs are a high school student’s seduction attempts toward her teacher (Jamie McShane), and a stalking child predator’s patient waiting for the opportune moment for his next victim’s abduction.

Aside from the hit-and-miss acting, the film’s “skits” have an air of realism. But be warned, “Look” deserves its R rating, particularly for its sexual content.

Directed by Adam Rifkin
Jamie McShane / Spencer Redford / Giuseppe Andrews
Drama 98 min.
MPAA: R (for strong sexual content, pervasive language, some violence and brief drug use)

U.S. Release Date: December 14, 2007
Copyright 2008: 265