As a long-time fan and connoisseur of M. Night Shyamalan’s intricate narratives, I must admit that his latest offering, “Trap,” is a captivating rollercoaster ride through the world of pop stardom and dark secrets. With its unique premise inspired by “The Silence of the Lambs” and a Taylor Swift concert, Shyamalan delves deeper into the glitzy realm of celebrity culture while keeping us on the edge of our seats with a gripping thriller.
As stated by M. Night Shyamalan, the fundamental idea for his newest movie can be essentially summarized in this way: “What if the events depicted in ‘The Silence of the Lambs’ took place during a Taylor Swift concert?”
As someone who has been following M. Night Shyamalan’s career since his breakout film “The Sixth Sense,” I found “Trap” to be a somewhat intriguing concept, but it falls short in delivering on both of its main elements. The movie is marketed as a concert film for Shyamalan’s daughter, the musician Saleka, but the music aspect felt underdeveloped and lacked the emotional depth I was hoping for. On the other hand, the middling thriller plot kept me engaged to some extent, thanks in large part to Josh Hartnett‘s compelling performance. Overall, while “Trap” had potential, it didn’t quite live up to my expectations based on Shyamalan’s past work and left me wanting more from both the music and the thriller aspects of the story.
As a gamer, I found myself immersed in the bustling crowd at the Lady Raven concert, where my daughter and I were there to enjoy the show. Dad-joke master Cooper (Hartnett) was also in attendance, adding his own brand of humor to the scene. The stadium was swarming with energetic teenagers, some camped outside hoping for a glimpse of Lady Raven exiting her trailer, while others danced enthusiastically in the lobby, mimicking one of her viral dance moves.
As a fan bursting with excitement, I, Riley, am having a whirlwind experience. Despite a few challenges at school, today’s enthusiasm has swept me off my feet! I can hardly contain myself as I dash alongside my father through the parking lot, eagerly joining a lively dance circle of girls near the concessions. The array of merchandise on display leaves me in awe. However, the sight of police officers patrolling the arena and securing each entrance adds an unusual touch to this typical concert scene.
Assisted by a witty vendor named Jamie (played by Jonathan Langdon), Cooper discovers that Lady Raven’s performance is actually a trap set by authorities to capture The Butcher, a notorious serial killer who has claimed more than ten lives. As Jamie reveals the intricate details of the operation, such as secret code words used around The Butcher, Cooper grows increasingly anxious.
If you’re someone who hates surprises being ruined, it’s best to quit here. You might want to stick around for a humorous scene after the credits roll. Those who have seen the trailer are aware that Cooper is the one being sought, but that’s just the beginning of the plot twists.
As a gamer, I found M. Night Shyamalan’s movie “Trap” to be a more intricate puzzle than his recent work such as “Knock at the Cabin”. Instead of jump-scares and gasp-worthy twists, it offers subtle clues that make you raise an eyebrow in curiosity. Once Cooper collects the initial information, “Trap” transforms into a suspenseful game of cat and mouse.
Initially, it’s captivating to witness Cooper evade law enforcement, with Hartnett playing a crucial role in this cat-and-mouse game. His portrayal is clever, frequently humoristic, and subtly unpredictable. At first glance, he appears as an apprehensive father, but his peculiar mannerisms—meticulousness, constant jaw clenching, forced smiles— gradually reveal a hidden menace. As Cooper maneuvers through restricted zones, socializes with the arena personnel, and devises an escape plan, one can’t help but admire how his charisma and wit make him seem like the ideal suburban husband to wife Rachel (Alison Pill) and a loving father to their children, all while hiding his infamous history as a murderer. Hartnett skillfully portrays Cooper’s dual persona: a ruthless serial killer who finds solace in dismembering his victims, and a devoted father striving to give his daughter the world.
M. Night Shyamalan may find common ground with the latter ambition of Cooper’s (the director). The initial portion of the movie “Trap” seems to reflect Shyamalan’s primary focus. Shyamalan’s daughter, Saleka, wrote, produced, and recorded an entire album for the film, which gives a chilling depth to composer Herdis Stefansdottir’s score. Several of Saleka’s songs are prominently showcased throughout the movie, and a significant part of the film’s beginning is dedicated to scenes where she confidently struts across the stage in extravagant outfits or mirrors the moves of her troupe of backup dancers. These scenes also serve as an analysis of celebrity influence in the social media era. The scene of phones gleaming overhead to capture moments, the viral choreography, and the devoted fanbase are all examined at some point.
Due to the numerous plotlines, the movie “Trap” often finds difficulty in preserving its pace. The recurring pattern of Cooper’s pursuit makes the tension seem less impactful, and the side story involving Lady Raven fails to carry the necessary weight that it should. Towards the end of the second act and into the third, despite being visually engaging, “Trap” starts to lose some of its intensity.
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2024-08-02 07:25