Open Water

One of the fluke indie successes of 2004, Open Water is a one idea movie but it's a pretty good idea: after a head-count mishap on a diving boat, a young couple is left behind to fend for themselves in waters infested by sharks and other terrifying beasts of the sea. Although it has been characterized as a horror film, Open Water isn't particularly scary. The film's peculiar effect is derived almost entirely from a feeling of discomfort it imposes on its audience, an effect that is sure to aggravate as many as it thrills. Executed with surprising restraint, this is a simple and impressive film. Sure, it's repetitive, occasionally unimaginative, and the characters are dull (functional, at best) but it's also surprisingly unique and even powerful. But first and foremost, this is a feat of daredevil filmmaking, not great artistry.

For its DVD release, Open Water has been transferred from the 35mm theatrical version, rather than the original DV. Judging from the amateurish look of the non-35mm deleted scenes, this was definitely the right choice. There are 7 deleted scenes in all, most of which are character-developing time-killers that would have come before the sharks. The disc also includes a brief featurette with indie filmmaking tips from Lions Gate executives, an even briefer home video of director Chris Kentis working with sharks and advisors, and a half hour documentary that summarizes the film's lengthy making-of saga quite efficiently.

The current do-it-yourself potential of independent filmmaking really sinks in when you learn that these filmmakers got all the knowledge, training, and equipment they needed by surfing the net. Incidentally, with his indie, working class, outdoorsy, tough guy quality, director Chirs Kentis reminds me a lot of John Sayles. I'm not talking about his films, just the way the guy talks.

Lions Gate is notorious for over-loading DVDs with commentaries -- Cabin Fever had 5, The Rules of Attraction had 6 -- but, in this case, they showed a little restraint and cut the filmmakers off at 2. Let's be honest: with over an hour of people floating around in water, there isn't a whole lot to say. Plus, pretty much every task on this film was performed by one of four people and they're all on-hand.

The first commentary features husband-and-wife filmmaking duo, Chris Kentis and Laura Lau. This straightforward and practical discussion of their filmmaking process is likely to bore casual viewers but anyone interested in making a DV film about sharks should definitely take note. Actors Blanchard Ryan and Daniel Travis are a little more engaging on the second track.

Overall, there isn't anything surprising or earth-shattering about this disc but it should satisfy Open Water fans and renew anyone else's lingering fear of sharks. -- Jonathan Doyle