8MM

The attribute 8 MM deserves above all is EFFECTIVE. The story from the porn industry is appropriately brutal and repulsive in its subject matter, with a range of twisted characters from the gallery and the decadent environment of high society. The film is energetic and attractive due to the positive hero played decently by Nicolas Cage, complemented by a diligent improved sidekick, and several very skillfully crafted scenes. Overall, it has a depressing tone, which led to exceptionally great commercial success and acclaim from movie fans. It's not Joel Schumacher's best film, but it ranks among the better ones in its genre. Overall impression: 70%. (2006-06-16)

Depravity of the highest calibre and at the same time perhaps the best quality filmmaking I have seen in months. What Joel Schumacher touches, he gets right, and here it's the same. Nicolas Cage and Joaquin Phoenix are the main duo of guys investigating the authenticity of hardcore snuff porn from the underworld, but their curiosity will take them so deep that they'll have to fight for their lives. The tension is palpable from the first minutes, the setting of the degenerate porn underground is depicted so raw, disgusting and authentic that it makes you sick, and this whole detective ride of the main duo is so incredibly suspenseful and gripping that I devoured every scene to the fullest and sweated all over my pillow. There's violence, an amazing musical score and visual depiction of some of the atrocities (although I could have done with more here), and when you add in the great performances that manage to remain in your memory after a long time, I can't help but give it a full score. A chilling must-see old-school thriller that is definitely not seen every day on the cinematic landscape. (2023-07-12)

Joel Schumacher psychologically brutalizes us and the resulting effect is excellent. However, it would have been even better with a more elaborate screenplay with more questions and unexpected twists. Even so, this is a formalistically excellent inducement to depression with brilliant performances by everyone involved. Mentally unstable viewers should avoid 8 MM! (2002-04-11)

A gloomy and relatively rough (within Hollywood standards) film showing the dark alleys of the metropolis, mentally disturbed perverts, murderers, deviants, and a traditionally clumsy Nicolas Cage. It's not inherently bad, but his acting simply doesn't dazzle and it even the Breitlings he wears most of the time can’t help. There were several scenes pleasantly twisted my nerves and digestive system (the final scene with the music is brilliantly tense) and the decently atmospheric depiction of that underworld with all its filth and tragedy is good. It's not groundbreaking, but on the other hand, Joel Schumacher has already directed several first-class crap, so let's be glad this film turned out like this. (2005-05-08)

8MM offers a truly raw and visceral excursion into the world of the most brutal porn industry, where the line between perverse pleasure and cold-blooded murder is completely blurred. I was intrigued by the portrayal of the main character Tom Welles, who gradually becomes more and more embroiled in the case as the investigation progresses, and once it is solved, he is not (and could not be) the same as before. Joaquin Phoenix's supporting role added some humour to the plot, otherwise it was a completely depressing story about twisted people and their twisted appetites, which was "dominated" by the character of The Machine. The last third of the film caught my attention the most, and was not lacking in suspense and action. (2023-07-23)