Eden Log (2007) - An unforgettable experience - 8/10 (28/06/11)

This is now already the third part of my little review series: Movies that are way better than you expect.

"Eden Log" is a completely underrated dark experimental science-fiction movie. It impresses with brilliant camera settings that give the movie an adventurous dark video game touch and a very artistic approach. The minimalist dialogues remind of other popular experimental movies like the brilliant pioneer work "Eraserhead". The dark and gripping atmosphere honour the French film noir genre at its best. Don't expect any horror moments, big fighting scenes or stunning special effects as this movie lives from its simplistic approach and dark and calm atmosphere. The acting is also very basic but overall great and especially Clovis Cornillac proves once again that he can play quite everything and is one of the best modern French actors out there. The story itself is indeed less important but has still some interesting philosophical touches and a minor twist in the end.

This movie is a great gem for anybody that is interested in artistic avant-garde cinema and dark video games but doesn't fit to a larger audience because it is not commercial and quite unusual in every aspect. This movie happens to be experimental at all costs and is as unique as it is courageous, especially if you consider that this is the director's first full length movie. Even if this movie lacks of budget and commercial success, it is technically stunning and something vivid for the science-fiction genre that lives some difficulties and a downfall of popularity nowadays. If you like this movie, be sure to also check out the Swiss low budget gem "Cargo" or also the experimental "Valhalla Rising".

The average on this site shows that many people adored while other completely hated it and the average is somewhere in between. But I sure you that it's nearly impossible to think the film is mediocre and that you either adore or hate it. No matter how you ultimately decide this movie may be an unforgettable flick for each one of you.