Summary
- 7th Floor
‘s unique take on a kidnapping storyline sets it apart from the Italian remake. - The original film focuses on heightened paranoia and tension within a small apartment building.
- Emotional depth, psychological drama, and a unique setting make
7th Floor
a must-see mystery film.
As a film enthusiast with a particular interest in suspense and mystery genres, I have had the pleasure of watching both “7th Floor” (1975) from Italy and its more recent Argentine-Spanish counterpart, “Vanished into the Night” (2013). Having seen these two films back to back, I cannot help but share my thoughts on the unique experiences they offer.
In just a short time, “Vanished into the Night,” directed by Renato De Maria, has made Netflix’s most-watched list. Contrary to popular themes like mafia members or resistance fighters, this hour-and-a-half film centers around a couple in Bari, Italy, on the verge of separation. Riccardo Scamarcio portrays Pietro, and Annabelle Wallis plays Elena. Their already fragile lives are further shattered when their two young children vanish without a trace during the night. Determined to reunite his family, Pietro embarks on a courageous quest – one that may lead him into questionable situations and put his own safety at risk.
The skilled pairing of Scamarcio and Wallis add excitement and momentum to the unfolding mystery. With Scamarcio featuring in “A Haunting in Venice” and “John Wick 2,” and Wallis in “Peaky Blinders” and “The Tudors,” their ability to bring authentic characters to life on screen is indisputable. In this thriller, you’ll be left guessing as to who orchestrated the kidnappings. Interestingly, “Vanished into the Night” is a remake of the successful Argentine-Spanish film, “7th Floor.”
7th Floor’s Kidnapping Story Is Even More Interesting
7th Floor Has a Unique Introduction
As a big fan of mystery films, I was thoroughly captivated when “7th Floor” (or “Septimo,” as it’s known in Spanish), released in 2013, turned out to be such a massive hit on the international box office scene. What made this movie even more intriguing is that its initial missing children storyline was actually set in Buenos Aires instead of Italy. The daring way this pivotal scene is executed is truly remarkable.
In “Vanished into the Night” on Netflix, the storyline splits the two main characters, Sebastien and Delia, keeping the audience focused on Sebastien’s actions leading up to a pivotal moment. The earlier film, “7th Floor,” shares this sequence but with a briefer exploration. Instead, the 2013 version delves deeper into the psychological aspects of their relationship, as they suspect and accuse various residents in their building, including long-time acquaintances, before the truth unfolds.
In a way that resonates with real-life parents whose children have been suddenly taken, the opening scene of “7th Floor” powerfully conveys trauma through its desperate actions. The impact is more striking when the parents are present during the climax. It’s worth noting that “Vanished into the Night” sets up this theme quite clearly from the beginning.
7th Floor Deals With the Paranoia of Missing Children
The Italian and Argentine-Spanish adaptations of “Vanished into the Night” differ in terms of setting and the resulting tension. In the Italian version, the story unfolds in Bari and occasionally moves to other locations like the sea and a drug dealer’s house. This creates an atmosphere where the audience is left guessing where the children could be, even if it’s far away. However, 7th Floor adopts a contrasting approach. Instead of spreading out the action across various locales, it keeps the story confined to one place, heightening the sense of unease and uncertainty about what is happening within that specific setting.
Despite finishing at the airport, the majority of the first films takes place in the apartment building, leaving us questioning how far the children could have gotten in such a short time. Sebastian’s desperate search proves fruitless. The confined setting heightens both the characters’ and viewers’ feelings of anxiety and desperation. The enigmatic staircase haunts Sebastian, while the elevator becomes his ally, enabling him to interact with residents and workers and serving as a cinematic device for pacing the narrative.
In the novel “7th Floor,” several potential suspects are presented to the anxious parents prior to a crucial moment. The father’s sorrow transforms into accusations, targeting various residents, including intruding into one apartment. Initially, the concierge, parking attendant, and detective become adversaries in Sebastian’s perspective. However, once the truth unfolds, their roles shift.
As a fan, I’ve observed Spanish music composer Roque Baños’s exceptional ability to match the intensity of every scene in “Vanished into the Night” and “7th Floor.” When I find myself trapped in claustrophobic spaces, his compositions subtly echo my anxiety with soft, barely perceptible melodies. However, when a character like Sebastian gains clarity on their next move, the music swells into an invigorating call to action. For those interested, you can stream “Vanished into the Night” on Netflix and “7th Floor” on Prime Video and Apple TV for a more intricate exploration of the mysteries unfolding in these gripping thrillers.
Read More
Sorry. No data so far.
2024-07-16 02:01