The Chaos Experiment Movie Review 2009
There comes a point in a few actors’ lives where you have to wonder what’s going on with them. Val Kilmer has become one of those actors. As the big time parts have dried up for this once big time actor, it’s become apparent that Kilmer is making up for the loss in profile by starring in as many flicks as he can possibly nudge his way into. These flicks range from the mid-range enjoyable crime flick to the dreadful cheapness of movies like Played… and yet, one thing always remains the same; Kilmer can fucking act and he’s usually the best part of the film he’s in. The Chaos Experiment, previously known as The Steam Experiment, is one of the better flicks from Kilmer’s recent prodigious cinematic explosion. The man has starred in 18 movies over the last four years… and The Chaos Experiment just might be the best one of them.
The film follows the insane experiment of a mad scientist who has a hard-on for global warming. Jimmy Pettis (Val Kilmer), in order to prove some crackpot scientist’s theories correct, traps six lonely fucks in a steam room with no way to get out. In two hours they will die. A lone detective must figure out where the people are trapped before they die from 130° heat.
The beauty of The Chaos Experiment is the film’s story in general. It’s told in two different parts. You’ve got the whole “cop vs. bad guy” deal with Armand Assante and Val Kilmer facing off in a killer acting showdown. Then you’ve got the other part of the movie that depicts what is happening to the victims of the sauna, a beautifully directed set of imagery filled with violence, great acting, and a whole lot of power. The writing of this movie is excellent, and except for an ending that feels a little weak, it’s a perfectly crafted tale.
As I mentioned before, the directing of this movie is amazing. For being a film that I’ve heard little about, The Chaos Experiment is full of visionary moments from director Philippe Martinez. Martinez’ pacing is fantastic and the two running storylines in the film are perfectly balanced, so that you never get bored of seeing Kilmer and Assante talk, and you never stop wondering what is happening to the victims in the film. Martinez’ vision of a super-saturated sauna cast in an unbearably bright orange light perfectly captures the oppressive heat of the moment, and Martinez gets top notch performances out of everyone in his movie. It’s an excellent movie all around and Martinez is to be commended.
The cast of the movie is awesome. There are no weak links here. Val Kilmer brings an intellectual element to his character that is ideal and he captures perfectly the sneering contempt of a madman. Assante isn’t anywhere near as good as Kilmer and there are a few moments where he seems bad in comparison, but overall Assante carries his part of the bargain. The other great performance in the film comes from Eric Roberts… that’s right Eric Roberts. He plays one of the victims in the sauna, and his character arc is fascinating to watch. Roberts, who has turned into quite the actor over the course of his somewhat unimpressive career, shows that he is ready to be cast in big-time flicks again. The supporting cast is equally impressive, highlighted by the naked form of Eve Mauro.
The Chaos Experiment closely resembles other such under-appreciated features such as The House of 9 or Cube, but done with a little more realism and a whole lot more directorial expertise. If you’re a fan of the “trapped fuckers” gimmick, this movie is excellent. The end isn’t as great as the rest of the film, and it gives its mysteries away a little too early, but overall it’s an excellent film that begs to be watched… like strippers.
Final Synopsis: The Chaos Experiment is a quality flick full of killer scenes, great imagery, and solid performances. Give it a watch when you get the chance.
Points Lost: -1 for giving away the film’s secrets too quickly, -1 for an ending that doesn’t match in quality with the rest of the film
Lesson Learned: Don’t use internet dating services.
Burning Question: What would you do if you were trapped in a sauna with no way of getting out? I’d be fucking all over the place.
The Chaos Experiment
8/10
