by: Marisha Pessl
Just like an incredibly great book, I love to analyze incredibly good films. I’m a big film buff, especially when it comes to horror movies. I’ve been a fan of horror ever since I was a little kid (thanks to my introduction to all the Universal monster films and The Nightmare Before Christmas). I grew up watching all the famous slasher flicks, and as I got older I fell in love with much darker films. Which is why I adored Night Film.
The novel focuses on investigative journalist Scott McGrath as he looks into the mysterious death of Ashley Cordova, daughter of famous cult film director Stanislas Cordova. For all you film buffs out there Cordova and his films are what you would get if you mashed Lynch, Kubrick, and Von Trier together.
What works so well for this novel is how it literally displays technology on the page. Throughout McGrath’s investigation he uses web forums, news articles, etc. and these web pages are actually illustrated on the page. It’s a unique immersion, connecting the reader with the case. It’s relatable for a contemporary audience.
The pacing of the story never felt slow, and that might have been because of how interesting each twist and turn that comes about. I don’t want to spoil anything, but there are many moments where you think you have an idea of what’s happening, only to realize you are wrong. It keeps you on your toes, and that’s excellent mastery of a horror/thriller genre of work.
Other than some side characters introduced in short scenes and interviews the story really focuses on McGrath and two young adults he befriends: Nora and Hooper. McGrath’s professionalism and status of being a veteran in investigative journalism make his character interesting. How he thinks (much of his internal dialogue is smart and funny), to how he acts give him that “hero” status of the story. Nora and Hooper take some time to develop, but once they do they become characters you start to want to learn more about and care for.
I applaud this book for also establishing an interesting underground film world. The opening pages establish a very quick history of Cordova and his fans (all through mock Time article web pages). Cordova is introduced as a ghost, an enigma. We are told right away no one actually knows what he looks like. We learn more about Cordova’s work and the mystery surrounding him.
The atmosphere that Pessl has created in the world of Cordova’s films play an immense role in the actual mysteries of the novel. The dark world of Cordova is a reflection of the darkness that McGrath and crew traverse through to figure out what actually happened to Ashley.
For anyone looking for a fantastic contemporary thriller/horror novel, Night Film comes heavily recommended. I heard that recently the film rights were being discussed, and considering the amazing tone and atmosphere of this novel (and the recent success of Gone Girl), I would love for David Fincher to get his hands on this. He is the guy that could perfectly illustrate the dark, beautiful, deadly words of Marisha Pessl’s Night Film.
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Nice review. I definitely liked the IDEA of the book, and it had me at some moments, but it felt too long and meandering. Just didn't like where she went with it. And it didn't help that I hated all of the characters haha.
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