Intrigued by how AI can impact my writing, I'm presenting side-by-side comparisons of past articles and their revisions made with Google's Gemini AI. Brace yourselves!
AI Version of an article that appeared here.
A Nostalgic Nightmare: X (2022) Review
In 1979, a group of aspiring filmmakers embark on a dream project: producing an adult film in rural Texas. But their idyllic vision quickly turns into a fight for survival when their reclusive, elderly hosts discover their secret operation. Through this unsettling premise, writer and director Ti West delivers a thrilling combination of nostalgia and horror in X (2022).
West masterfully establishes the film's setting and themes in the opening shot. The camera slowly pans from a dark barn towards a distant farmhouse, captured in the classic 4:3 aspect ratio. This evokes the era of the film while simultaneously hinting at the wider perspective to come. As the scene progresses, the frame expands to a modern wide-screen format, mirroring the characters' transition from innocent filmmakers to vulnerable prey.
The film boasts a talented cast, including Mia Goth, Jenna Ortega, and Scott Mescudi. Goth shines particularly bright in her dual roles as the ambitious Maxine and the embittered Pearl, a character representing the potential tragic outcome of Maxine's youthful aspirations.
West channels the spirit of exploitation films through his unique blend of visual flair and storytelling. While the premise promises titillation and terror in equal measure, it manages to deliver both without being merely exploitative. One ingenious technique involves mirroring the shifting aspect ratio during a pivotal scene: as a sex scene unfolds, the frame expands simultaneously with Pearl stalking an unsuspecting Maxine in the woods. This creates a potent blend of voyeuristic excitement and chilling suspense.
West succeeds in crafting well-rounded characters, with performances ranging from solid to exceptional. The film explores the anxieties surrounding aging, particularly relevant to millennial audiences. Many millennials perceive their future as a "steep decline" towards isolation and cognitive decline. Howard and Pearl, the elderly couple, serve as a physical manifestation of these anxieties, their desperation for youth driving them to horrific acts.
X is more than just a slasher film. Director Ti West crafts a terrifying experience with a talented cast, genuine love for the filmmaking process, and plenty of scares. While set in 1979, the film subtly explores themes relevant to modern audiences, like the anxieties surrounding aging. The performances are excellent, the nudity is tastefully done, and the kills are both gruesome and thrilling.
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