13 Tzameti

In today’s session we watched the Georgian thriller, 13 Tzameti. Tzameti being georgian for 13, a reference to the number of players taking part in the russian roulette game the film revolves around.

I enjoyed the film, and believe the lack of colour benefited the film, as you weren’t distracted by any vivid colours, and rather focused on the story, dialogue and facial expressions of the characters in pivotal moments. I’ve seen the 2010 Hollywood remake of this film, and was disappointed with it, as you cannot compare it to this. Although it didn’t have an exceptionally large budget, the main character being the directors actor, who was willing to do it for less pay, and filming in black and white lowering the cost even further, it is a quality thriller, which kept me on my tip toes throughout. Although I've seen the remake, and read about this film, I knew what the ending had in store, but this still did not prepare me for the main characters demise. I felt the same sadness and disappointment I felt the first time I discovered. Wishing he would have lived. But of course if it had, it would not have been such a compelling and interesting film. Sticking to the same linear ending as most films tend to have these days, would have been a shame.