"Paperhouse" is a bit of a lost classic. It comes from a time when movies dared to be original and edgy. When characters didn't have to be black and white, when even your lead actress didn't necessarily have to be a person that it's very easy to identify with.
From what I'm told the story is based on a children's book. This movie, however, is clearly for adults. Though not full on horror, "Paperhouse" is too dark and scary for children. Director Bernard Rose clearly made the movie on a shoe string budget, but still manages to create an atmosphere of constant unease.
One time movie actress Charlotte Burke plays her role convincingly as does the rest of the cast (though Glenne Headly's overdubbed English accent sounds awkward and out of place). The real highlight, however, are the eerie score and the beautiful cinematography, sometimes reminiscent of a less colourful Dario Argento movie.
In the end, "Paperhouse" is plodding on a bit and from today's perspective some scenes seem dragged out. Still, it's a movie well-worth checking out that deserves much more recognition than it ever got.
From what I'm told the story is based on a children's book. This movie, however, is clearly for adults. Though not full on horror, "Paperhouse" is too dark and scary for children. Director Bernard Rose clearly made the movie on a shoe string budget, but still manages to create an atmosphere of constant unease.
One time movie actress Charlotte Burke plays her role convincingly as does the rest of the cast (though Glenne Headly's overdubbed English accent sounds awkward and out of place). The real highlight, however, are the eerie score and the beautiful cinematography, sometimes reminiscent of a less colourful Dario Argento movie.
In the end, "Paperhouse" is plodding on a bit and from today's perspective some scenes seem dragged out. Still, it's a movie well-worth checking out that deserves much more recognition than it ever got.