Apt Pupil

I paradoxically liked the film more than the book because it simplified the storyline and didn't "overdo it," making both anti-heroes much more civilized and natural in their depravity. Ian McKellen plays his fascist veteran brilliantly, and Brad Renfro is truly an apt pupil... The film maintains a modest line, with (almost) no affected scenes. The mutual probing of both adversaries and accomplices at the same time is a subtle psychological game that culminates in the final scene of complete transformation. Overall impression: 90%. (07/05/2007)

Master Waltz by Bryan Singer and Ian McKellen. All you have to do is admire how the director magician manages to step over the abyss that traditionally divides attractiveness and depth in Hollywood. Singer's language is intelligible, yet full of emotion and atmosphere. Everything works civilly, precisely, expressively. The drama of the individual scenes is perfectly constructed, the constant overflow of "teacher x student" tasks keeps the intensity of the film at a high level and the drastic dream scenes only increase it. There is no doubt that there are more impressive portraits of evil in man, but Apt Pupil is rare in that it retains the attributes of a good American spectacle without undermining or being nice to Singer's homeland (the final composition of a newborn monster with an American flag in the second plan is almost provocative). Great credit again goes to the phenomenal Ian McKellen, behind whose mask of a kind old man resides incredible brutality... however, the English virtuoso is able to play even this role in such a way that Kurt Dussander does not seem monochromatic and schematic. Compared to the brilliant performance of the old master, the young pupil Brad Renfro still gives off a significantly weaker impression, but he also shows a considerable amount of skill and talent. Apt Pupil is an excellent film where everything fits the way it should. What I leave out in my rating, I add as a message: It is not history and ideology that are responsible for the evil in man. It is man himself. (03/07/2006)

I didn't believe it, the psychological foundation of the characters was not strong enough in the context of their development, as well as in the construction and flow of the story. I didn't believe Ian McKellen as a war criminal (even though his march was impressive), I didn't believe Brad Renfro's transformation from a top student to a twisted and vulgar teenager, and the initially suggestive and captivating narration about the gas chambers didn't affect me significantly. Bryan Singer doesn't know how to work with emotions, that's a fact that bothers me in his films, and I don't remember any of his creations enriching me in this regard. Maybe I'm mistaken and I'm just not tuned into his wavelength. Very interesting material, a shocking scene with a veteran in the hospital, and that's about it. (10/02/2007)

How do you adapt a book where the most thrilling moments lie in the thoughts of the main character? I have Stephen King's perfect novel deeply ingrained in my mind, which is why I admire Brandon Boyce's screenplay for showing me a different way into Todd's head. However, what I value the most is that the deadly weight and psychological urgency, which are present here in almost every second. (20/04/2008)

Singer is the devil! Sensitive themes (homosexuality, neo/Nazism) seem believable and natural when presented by him, meaning that there are no cheap poses of wannabe profound commentary on the subject matter, but rather an absolutely brilliantly crafted story that grabs you and only lets you go when the closing credits roll. Formally, it's incredibly sophisticated (for example, the staircase to the basement of Dussender's house with its red backlighting looks like a descent into hell) and the acting is riveting. Brad Renfro as the inquisitive teenager is great, but Ian McKellen is a demon who is unmatched far and wide. It all culminates in a great ending that will emotionally wring you to the last drop... and you don't even have to cry during it. (24/11/2006)