The excellent performances and intelligent dialog managed to keep my full interest. It has a few brief action scenes and the suspense constantly builds up to complete nail-biter. For somewhat of a low budget film, the cinematography looked great. Cars, uniforms and buildings are all accurate. The constant tension and absurdity of the first years of the Berlin wall is portrayed effectively without a false sentimentalism. They actually managed to get the government's permission to close the area around the Brandenburg Gate to traffic for filming! So it has some great shots in Berlin toward the beginning. Go out and rent this puppy...
15 Reviews
Dreamlike
SciFiGal29 January 2002
It's pretty weird.
I saw it while staying at the Tromadance condo in Park City this year. Ramzi played it on the tele. Like the theme of the film itself, I lost track of time and got totally weirded out.
I highly suggest this film and think it's a must see for fans of the experimental genre. Lloyd Kaufman of Toxic Avenger and Terror Firmer fame is an actor in it. I don't care who says this is a serious role I still think Lloyd's hilarious in it.
I gave this film an 8.
I saw it while staying at the Tromadance condo in Park City this year. Ramzi played it on the tele. Like the theme of the film itself, I lost track of time and got totally weirded out.
I highly suggest this film and think it's a must see for fans of the experimental genre. Lloyd Kaufman of Toxic Avenger and Terror Firmer fame is an actor in it. I don't care who says this is a serious role I still think Lloyd's hilarious in it.
I gave this film an 8.
Gripping from beginning to end
KLD-1021 May 2005
I saw this film at a San Diego Cinema Society showing in the fall of 2004 and found it gripping from beginning to end. It personalized the many attempts to cross from East to West Berlin during the period immediately following the construction of the Wall in the 1960s. I certainly did not find it boring. Everything from the sets to the exteriors showed attention to detail and period authenticity. The subtitles were easy to read (if you don't speak German). You truly cared about the characters and could understand their often different and conflicting motivations for their actions. The fact that it is based on a true story makes it even more compelling. I look forward to its release in the USA.
not that good
FrighT MasteR28 February 2002
I see a lot of people giving this movie praise, but I found the film to be rather boring. It was slow and confusing pretty much for the whole 30 minutes. It has a few interesting scenes, but nothing creepy or anything. The directing wasn't bad, but I didn't like how the camera was on certain people's face for too long. It then becomes kind of pointless.
Overall, the directing is good and the story is out there, but so much more could have been done to make it a lot more interesting.
Overall, the directing is good and the story is out there, but so much more could have been done to make it a lot more interesting.
Unsung Hero
Rommel Baxtree12 February 2002
Just wanted to take a moment and recognize the best thing about "The Tunnel." The lighting design. Oddly enough, supplied via the one person mysteriously absent from the crew list. Jason Croft (gaffer). Jason and DP Clay Liford are a team, and one should not be credited without the other. Especially one so integral to the film as Croft. Regardless of what you think of the picture, Croft's work makes the experience endurable, if only for the beauty of his lighting.
Just thought I should drop that in as an addendum.
Just thought I should drop that in as an addendum.
A dark tunnel, but a bright future ahead...
hamburgerman31 August 2002
I recently had the pleasure of watching Abed's THE TUNNEL on video. I must say, this guy has a bright future ahead. THE TUNNEL is a well crafted little film, more thought provoking than your average horror film. I look forward to seeing more of Ramzi Abed's work. Keep it up.
Is there meaning, or is the meaning a distinct lack of meaning?
Sergeant_Funkadelic19 July 2003
Some guy was ranting on a message board about this film months ago, and I was recently able to acquire a video from a friend of a friend who really loves Troma but hates this film.
I have to say that "The Tunnel" struck me. While the production quality is relatively low, and some of the handling of the cast seems haphazard, uneven, or sloppy (Kaufman), the film does have a certain dark, freakshow style that I happened to find fascinating. The direction, at times seems a little awkward, with a lack of attention to pacing. Even in the 15-minute version, it didn't pick up enough speed into climax, and rather droned its way into a thud.
Unlike previous posters, however, I did find the story just interesting and unique enough to keep me thinking, and I felt that this film suffered perhaps more from ambition than pretention. It seems to be reminiscent of French absurdism, and not just in Kaufman's rather pathetic Blacque Jacque Shellacque impersonation, but in the ideas expressed in the film.
Paul, the main character, is struggling with his mortality, in ways which are not so clearly explained(an asset?). Is the point of "The Tunnel" that there is no light, or that there is no tunnel? Existentialist or Nihilist?
And on a final note, I was rather impressed with the work of Casey Wickson in the film as the lead character. I don't know that I would've made it through this film if not for his performance, which seemed genuine, and a familiar face for someone who apparently hasn't done much else. When Paul speaks, there is pain in his voice, and my gf said she would've cried if he had more than three sentences to speak. If acting is in the eyes, then this guy might have it, although he did seem young for the part.
The story here seems solid, perhaps even excellent, but the direction (or lack thereof) slows it, and, at times, takes you away from it. If you're looking for a "little too weird for its own good think-piece", then you might want to check it out. I give it a 7.5/10, mostly on its apparent intentions and a singular performance.
I have to say that "The Tunnel" struck me. While the production quality is relatively low, and some of the handling of the cast seems haphazard, uneven, or sloppy (Kaufman), the film does have a certain dark, freakshow style that I happened to find fascinating. The direction, at times seems a little awkward, with a lack of attention to pacing. Even in the 15-minute version, it didn't pick up enough speed into climax, and rather droned its way into a thud.
Unlike previous posters, however, I did find the story just interesting and unique enough to keep me thinking, and I felt that this film suffered perhaps more from ambition than pretention. It seems to be reminiscent of French absurdism, and not just in Kaufman's rather pathetic Blacque Jacque Shellacque impersonation, but in the ideas expressed in the film.
Paul, the main character, is struggling with his mortality, in ways which are not so clearly explained(an asset?). Is the point of "The Tunnel" that there is no light, or that there is no tunnel? Existentialist or Nihilist?
And on a final note, I was rather impressed with the work of Casey Wickson in the film as the lead character. I don't know that I would've made it through this film if not for his performance, which seemed genuine, and a familiar face for someone who apparently hasn't done much else. When Paul speaks, there is pain in his voice, and my gf said she would've cried if he had more than three sentences to speak. If acting is in the eyes, then this guy might have it, although he did seem young for the part.
The story here seems solid, perhaps even excellent, but the direction (or lack thereof) slows it, and, at times, takes you away from it. If you're looking for a "little too weird for its own good think-piece", then you might want to check it out. I give it a 7.5/10, mostly on its apparent intentions and a singular performance.
totally not expecting it
darlingzoe19 February 2003
Really cool, and different. I ordered the dvd-r through the web, and expected an amateurish film. I was more than pleasantly surprised. It's one of the best short films I've seen in the last few years, and kind of goes past being a short. Unique, well-done, and filled with detail. If you like to think when you see a scary movie, then don't pass this one. I still have yet to see the full 35 minute one, and now I can't wait to see it. Unfortunately, we don't have it up here. I bet it's fresh though!
The best short film at Cannes
baberuthhead16 July 2002
I was very surprised by the quality of this film. I saw it with a number of rowdy kids at le Palais Rouaze during Cannes this past May. I think Troma studios was the one showing it. Anyhow, it was fascinating. The sparse dialogue with Lloyd Kaufman was fantastic, especially for people who comprehend French. It was highly original and rather haunting. Recommended! 10/10
The best short film at Cannes
baberuthhead16 July 2002
I was very surprised by the quality of this film. I saw it with a number of rowdy kids at le Palais Rouaze during Cannes this past May. I think Troma studios was the one showing it. Anyhow, it was fascinating. The sparse dialogue with Lloyd Kaufman was fantastic, especially for people who comprehend French. It was highly original and rather haunting. Le Tunnel est le rêve de l'amour et de la mort. Recommended! 10/10
a good rental
shookmeallnight3 December 2002
I rented this film without knowing anything about it. I found it over at Cinefile next door to the Nuart, and had no idea what I was in for. The guy at the counter told me a tiny bit about it. That night I rented it and two other movies, "The Others" and "Cannibal Holocaust", and honestly it weirded me out more than either of those flicks. Reminded me a lot of "Bringing Out The Dead", and I liked the unique style it was directed in. Definitely a new cult film. The tape had two cuts of the film on it and some random footage from the making of the film. Left me dumbfounded.
Not for the weak of mind!
submissiveyiddishgirl4 March 2002
A totally trippy movie! Lloyd is soo sexy in that old style hat. The film itself is beautiful and dreamy. Everyone moves like they're under some sort of spell. For fans of challenging cinema, I recommend this one highly. It's also interesting, just because of its kind of creepy, yet erotic depiction of women. It's got a lot of stuff going on in it, from death and judgement, to the mundane world of office work to the fear of women (which I thought was evident in the main character). It's unique, but not for people expecting a formula or a linear plot. A daze of a flick! A+ sugar! I thought this one and "A Boy and His Fetus" were the coolest things at Tromadance. Total surrealism.
creepfest
moristory8 September 2002
The only thing i think of when seeing this film is The Shining, which The Tunnel really reminded me of. The droning sounds and great sound design made it even creepier. Lloyd Kaufman's scary teeth (made for the movie?) and his hypnotizing eyes freaked me out. This is one for your nightmares. Not really horror, but not really easy to shake from your mind either.
I haven't really seen it but...
CrissismyAngel28 July 2005
I haven't seen it but Ramzi abed is my uncle and he's really awesome in fact I'm supposed to be in some of his upcoming movies.My aunt got married to him last October so I hope to see it.I bet he has of coarse.I'm really close to him and if you have any questions you can write them down on the msg board and I'll be sure to ask him!It might be awhile though he is in Jordan right now so I won't be able to ask him but they call from abed so we know their alright and stuff.I can't wait until his movies come out but we won't be filming until later so that ganna be cool.I hope I din't give too much info but I just wanted to tell you.
Ok if You have never seen a film by David Lynch, or not seen The Shining.
RalphCifferato1 December 2002
I had the unfortunate experience of seeing the Tunnel earlier this year. From the start, the film plays like the pretentious dream child of a self indulgent director. Not only does it try, not very succesfully, either, to rip off auteur of weird David Lynch, but goes one further by trying to replicate the famous bathtub scene in Stanley Kubrick's cult hit, "The Shining". For instance, towards the end our character ends himself in a room that seems suspiciously similar to "The Black Lodge" from David Lynch's Twin Peaks. From there Lloyd Kaufman, whose performance seems to replicate a certain midget's from Twin Peaks, starts to attempt obscurity by way of French Dialouge. The film itself, plays like Eraserhead for kindergardeners. What is the worst, is that the cast itself isn't bad. The main actor Casey is quite good, as is Lloyd Kaufman. I don't know if I would say the same for the star of American Movie. In closing, a waste of a half an hour, or thirty minutes if you unfortunately get the longer version.
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