American Primeval Review: Kitsch's Performance

Nextgenwave

You need 5 min read

·

Post on Jan 10, 2025

46 visitor like this post

Share

American Primeval Review: Kitsch's Performance

American Primeval, a lesser-known entry in the found-footage horror subgenre, often gets overshadowed by its more famous contemporaries. However, a closer look reveals a film that, while flawed, possesses a unique and unsettling atmosphere largely built on its effective use of kitsch. This review will delve into the film's strengths and weaknesses, focusing on how its intentional embrace of kitsch contributes to – and sometimes detracts from – its overall impact.

The Allure of the Kitsch Aesthetic

American Primeval’s success, to the extent it has one, lies in its deliberate and often jarring juxtaposition of seemingly mundane, even kitschy, imagery with moments of genuine terror. The film uses a visual style reminiscent of low-budget 70s and 80s horror films, complete with grainy footage, shaky camera work, and a color palette that’s frequently washed out or overly saturated. This isn't accidental; it’s a key component of its aesthetic. This kitsch aesthetic isn't just a stylistic choice; it actively shapes the narrative and enhances the viewer's experience.

The Deliberate Use of Camp

The film's reliance on kitsch extends beyond the visual. The dialogue, often stilted and unrealistic, contributes to the overall sense of artificiality. The characters, while attempting to portray genuine fear and desperation, frequently come across as somewhat cartoonish. This isn't necessarily a flaw; rather, it leans into the camp aesthetic, creating a specific kind of unsettling humor that undermines the traditional horror tropes it employs. This deliberate use of camp creates a sense of unease, making the horror moments even more jarring by contrast. The viewer is never quite sure if they are meant to laugh or be scared, a disorienting effect that keeps them engaged.

Exploiting Nostalgia and Expectations

American Primeval masterfully exploits the audience's nostalgia for classic horror films. The film's visual style and even some of its plot points directly evoke memories of earlier, more iconic works. However, instead of simply paying homage, it uses this nostalgic element to subvert expectations. The viewer anticipates certain horror tropes, only to be met with unexpected twists or a deliberate lack of payoff. This creates a sense of unease and keeps the audience on edge. The familiar becomes unfamiliar, and the expected becomes unpredictable. The kitsch becomes a tool to unsettle, rather than simply entertain.

The Limitations of Kitsch

Despite its effective use of kitsch, American Primeval isn't without its flaws. The film's reliance on this aesthetic can sometimes feel excessive, bordering on self-indulgent. The shaky camera work, while contributing to the found-footage feel, can become tiresome, hindering the viewer's ability to fully appreciate the scares. The overly saturated colors, similarly, can distract from the narrative rather than enhancing it.

Character Development and Plot Holes

The characters in American Primeval are largely underdeveloped. While their motivations are vaguely hinted at, they lack the depth necessary to make their fates truly resonate with the audience. This shallow character development weakens the emotional impact of the film's more horrific moments. Furthermore, the plot itself contains several inconsistencies and unexplained elements, which can detract from the overall viewing experience. While some ambiguity can add to the mystery, in this case, the plot holes feel more like oversights than intentional narrative choices.

The Overreliance on Jump Scares

American Primeval, like many found-footage horror films, relies heavily on jump scares to generate fear. While some of these scares are effectively executed, the overuse of this technique eventually diminishes their impact. The film would have benefited from a more nuanced approach to horror, focusing on building suspense and atmosphere rather than relying solely on cheap thrills.

The Overall Performance of Kitsch in American Primeval

American Primeval’s performance, in terms of its use of kitsch, is a mixed bag. The film's deliberate embrace of this aesthetic undeniably contributes to its unique atmosphere and unsettling tone. The intentional use of camp, the exploitation of nostalgia, and the subversion of expectations are all noteworthy aspects of its stylistic approach. However, the film’s limitations – underdeveloped characters, plot inconsistencies, and overreliance on jump scares – ultimately prevent it from reaching its full potential.

The film's kitsch elements are not always seamlessly integrated into the narrative; sometimes they feel forced or distracting. This inconsistency prevents the film from achieving a cohesive and consistently effective horror experience. While the jarring juxtaposition of kitsch and horror can be effective, it's not always successful in American Primeval.

Conclusion: A Cult Classic in the Making?

American Primeval is not a masterpiece of horror cinema. It's a flawed but intriguing film that deserves a closer look, especially for those interested in the found-footage genre and the use of kitsch in horror. Its deliberate use of camp and its subversion of expectations are commendable, even if the execution isn't always flawless. Ultimately, whether you find American Primeval enjoyable will depend on your tolerance for its stylistic choices and its narrative shortcomings. Its potential as a cult classic rests on its willingness to experiment and its unique, albeit uneven, application of the kitsch aesthetic. The film is a testament to the power of intentionally bad filmmaking to create something unsettling and memorable, even if it isn't always frightening in the traditional sense. It’s a film that stays with you, not necessarily because it’s terrifying, but because it's strangely captivating in its imperfection. And in that imperfection, there’s a strange sort of brilliance.