Intensity(1997) TV Movie
| Director: | yves simoneau | Runtime: 3 hrs 6 min ( 186 min) |
|---|---|---|
| edgler foreman vess | ..... | john c. mcGinley |
| chyna shepherd | ..... | molley parker |
| ethan trevaine | ..... | blu mankuma |
| lori | ..... | lori triolu |
| jim woltz | ..... | brent stait |
| young chyna shepherd | ..... | katie stuart |
| laura templeton | ..... | deanna milligan |
| jack templeton | ..... | kavan smith |
| miriam braynard | ..... | piper laurie |
| ariel delane | ..... | tori paul |
| mr. john q. citizen | ..... | alex diakun |
| mrs. john q. citizen | ..... | babz chula |
| george jespersen | ..... | alfred e. humphreys |
| tom | ..... | edmond kato wong |
| sarah templeton | ..... | meredith bain woodward |
| peter templeton | ..... | wally dalton |
| carmen trevain | ..... | b. j. harrison |
| tight shoes | ..... | merrilyn gann |
| chairperson | ..... | gillian barber |
| head of the hospital | ..... | jerry wasserman |
In this film adaptation of Dean Koontz's novel of the same name, Chyna Shepherd (Molly Parker) is a damaged young woman on her own. It is seen (mostly through flashback) that her parents were frighteningly abusive. Drugs and liquor were constantly present and openly displayed and consumed. Her father was a sociopath and murderer. Her mother loved her, but was just as much a, for lack of a better term, loser, as her father. Chyna remembers, as an adult, ways, rhymes, and chants her mother told her to recite to herself when she is frightened or is feeling threatened. These come in very handy throughout the movie.
Chyna is invited to Thanksgiving dinner at the house of her best (and perhaps only) friend. This is where the terror begins.
The friend's family is murdered by an unknown person in the middle of the night. Chyna hides from the killer, but secretly hitches a ride with him so he won't "get away." When the killer (John C. McGinley) stops for gas, Chyna learns that he has kidnapped a little girl named Ariel (Tori Paul), and is keeping her in his basement. At this point, the killer, Edglar (yes, Edglar...not Edgar, as is elaborated upon later in the story), explains the twisted reason why he kills, while also revealing the justification behind the title of the movie/book.
Chyna hitches all the way to Edglar's secluded house in the woods. where he company only with three attack dogs.
Eventually, when Chyna is discovered, he holds her captive as well. A conversation ensued which reveals the psychology of why each of them is where they are at this moment, physically, mentally, and emotionally.
When Edglar goes to work, Chyna finds Ariel in the basement. Chyna is then determined that she will get herself and Ariel out and away to safety before Edglar gets back from work, and somehow bring him to justice.
Finally, prepare yourself for a shocking, and I don't just throw that term around lightly, twist that intensifies the story tremendously.
I have not read the novel from which this movie was adapted. Nor have I read any of the novels from the mind of Dean Koontz. If this movie is any indication of his overall collection, I certainly have a new set of books to be explored.
Intensity is the perfect title for this story. From the moment you first see the killer's shadow in the bushes, you only need four inches of your chair, because that's where you'll be...provided you don't fall off completely.
John C. McGinley actually doesn't stray far from his snide character of Dr. Cox on Scrubs. Difference being that the sarcasm displayed with Dr. Cox is now portrayed with all seriousness with Edglar.
Casting in this movei is spot-on, and I felt I was in the midst of all the terror being experienced by Chyna, et. al. Whether that is good or bad, I can't say for sure.
Finally, if you take away nothing else from this film (and I'm confident that will not be the case), it will be the wanting of your breath back from the unexpected twist near the end. I cannot remember a more shocking development, especially in a movie, as is presented here.
Keep an eye out for symbolism and inconspicuous literary suggestions throughout the movie. In particular, the white coyotes versus Edglar's black guard dogs.
This was a made-for-TV movie, so good luck finding it on DVD (Amazon.com manufactures it on-demand on DVD-R, and has some unusual specifications and restrictions regarding successful playback). However, I strongly recommend you make every effort to secure a (legal) download online. It is worth the trouble. At the very least, pick up a copy of the book at your local library. If the precedent holds true, it will be even better than the movie. My name is already on the reserve list at the digital library here in Ohio. I'm number 3
Finally, a short list of quotes I think are worth repeating. You may recognize some, but these are my own picks, not ones that are particularly famous:
- Chyna :
This idea you have that I am good 'friend' material is all in your head.
- Sarah :
So, you have three choices, rinse, baste, or chop.
Chyna :Chop.
- Edglar :
Are you ready for your closeup, Ms. Desmond?
- Chyna :
GO TO HELL!
Edglar :Your mother never taught you to talk like that, did she?
Chyna :You don't know my mother!
- Ethan :
Whole world stops for a bunch of damn fool turkeys.
10 /10 
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