Sometimes, filmmakers use gimmicks where none are needed. Chronicle plays out like a documentary filmed by the characters, similar to movies such as The Blair Witch Project and Cloverfield. But, while it does find some interesting ways to play with this concept, the gimmick ends up yanking us out of what might otherwise be an entertaining story.
Andrew (Dane DeHaan) is a troubled kid. That’s clear from the moment he begins recording his life on video, the camera pointed at the locked door of his bedroom while his abusive father pounds on the other side. It gets worse: his mother is very ill and slowly dying, and his days at school are a combination of loneliness and being bullied. His only friend seems to be his cousin Matt (Alex Russell), who tries unsuccessfully to warn Andrew that carrying a video camera everywhere he goes is only going to make things worse.
At a barn party outside of town, Andrew is approached by super-popular Class President Steve (Michael B. Jordan) to grab some footage of a strange hole he and Matt have found out in the woods. They descend into the hole and find it full of strange glowing crystals. Things start vibrating, noses start bleeding, and the camera goes dark.
Cut to sometime later, and the three guys are now documenting the strange new abilities they’ve developed to move objects with their minds. The shared secret turns them into fast friends as they cause harmless mischief and try to outdo each other. But reality eventually crashes back in, and it isn’t long before someone as damaged as Andrew begins to indulge his dark side. And unfortunately for Matt and Steve, Andrew is the one with the best control of his powers.
In truth, Chronicle is ideally suited for the video gimmick. As a telekinetic, Andrew can move his camera around with his mind, which allows director Josh Trank to avoid most of the handheld jitter similar movies have suffered from, and shoot scenes using traditional techniques and wide angles. At first, it’s kind of fun to watch these guys talk while the camera floats lazily above them.
At the same time, though, the concept often pushes things beyond our ability to suspend disbelief. Matt’s ex-girlfriend Casey (Ashley Hinshaw) is introduced as another video-obsessed character for the purposes of a romantic subplot that goes nowhere. And the final action sequence turns to security cameras and footage from witnesses to show us what’s happening. These are clever ways of solving the inherent problems of the format, but they pull us too far back from the experience.
The real problem is that the documentary style requires a level of spontaneity and improvisation that most of these actors just aren’t up to. The dialogue and setups in Max Landis’ script are too precise – we don’t get the sense that this stuff is just happening. Ironically, all of it would probably feel more natural if it were filmed more conventionally. That being said, Jordan is the standout here, easily conveying what it is about Steve that everyone likes so much. He’s an extremely likeable performer – a shame he doesn’t get more screen time.
Chronicle is a mildly diverting thriller with some impressive visual effects. But its stubborn reliance on its documentary premise turns it into a film you can’t fully wrap your mind around.
Tags: Movie Review
About the author: David Raitt
David Raitt is a writer and lover of pop culture. He lives in Oakville. He has also worked as an actor for The Second City, and has written, produced and performed his own sketch comedy, including the Canadian Comedy Award-nominated ALL THE RAGE. Semi-retired from performing, he still teaches improv and communications skills to students and corporate groups through his association with The Second City. Check out Dave's website at http://davidraitt.com
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