8 MM (1999) Review

8 MM (1999)

8 MM follows private detective Tom Welles, who is hired to track down the origin of a supposed snuff film and verify its authenticity, entering a world of unspeakable horrors along the way. 

Written by Andrew Kevin Walker, who came off of writing Se7en just 4 years earlier, 8 MM finds itself in similar disturbing territory as we are thrust on a harrowing journey into the sadistic sexual underground of America. Whatever notions you may have going into this film (like me, expecting just another fun, unhinged Cage performance) ought to just be left at the door. This isn’t the same Schumacher who did Batman & Robin. 8 MM has a particular perversity and deep rottenness of the human mind that, for unassuming viewers, will likely disturb you to the core. The realization that the subject matter, snuff films, aren’t just real but that there are individuals twisted enough to enjoy, endorse, or even take part in such chilling acts is frightening. Worst of all, often times these people don’t look like monsters, they could be any number of people, even yourself. 

Schumacher rightfully holds nothing back, thrusting us deep into the grimy, reprehensible, and uncompromising darkness of human nature, building so much tension as Welles gets closer to the truth. And the truth is just as bleak as the rest of this movie, that for the people responsible, this was just another day, another girl, and hardly a blip on the radar, and that their actions meant nothing. Yes, revenge is taken and some semblance of closure is made, but those who care (of which there are little), they will never be the same. 

We get great cast as well, starring Jenny Powell, Myra Carter, Amy Morton, Anthony Heald, Chris Bauer, Peter Stormare, Catherine Keener, James Gandolfini, Joaquin Phoenix, and Nicolas Cage. Cage is just the right amount of cool and crazy, going through a very similar transition as the viewer, as he trudges through the hell this case puts him through, while bolstered by some equally impressive performances from Phoenix, Gandolfini, and Stormore. 

8MM, directed by Joel Schumacher, though unorthodox in it’s disturbing presentation, is a chilling venture into the darkest depths of the human experience, where no one is off limits, least of all you and me. 

8.5/10