Reviewed by James Quicksell

Warning: This review contains major spoilers.






Lights! Camera! Cue the Offspring music! Aaaaand action!

Aaah the repetetive dullness of your typical PAM. But we're not hear to talk about this seemingly ending genre populated by newbies and simple minded people alike, we're hear to talk about Pamela, the "anti-PAM" if you will. It is hard to describe Pamela as it is a number of things. It is a mish mash of different genres from mystery to comedy to action to sometimes just plain randomness. This is one of the reasons this movie is so unique, but lets not beat around the bush. What Pamela boils down to is a movie that knows what its doing and where its going and the end result is a rollercoaster ride of comedy, special effects, and one hell of an ending that will leave you not only wanting more but a strong message that will hopefully reach out and help people understand exactly why this movie was made.

Taking the style of film noir, the movie takes off with Detective Joe Peterson (first name being Detective!) taking on a case involving a killer whose alias is Pamela. Enstranged and confused by this sudden urgency to find this person, the incompetent detective meanders aimlessly throughout the streets of the city trying to find possible clues as to where Pamela might strike next. This is the general gist of the beginning and is an excellent setup by Mr. Haynes. This isn't to not compliment the excellent directing style as well. The beginning also features a great set of narrative shots where we are introduced to this seemingly loveable character and then become eager to follow in his quest.

The direction alone could be worth seeing this movie for. The way the camera dips in and and zooms and pans and does all sorts of crazy shit that only a Haynes could think up is nothing short of jaw dropping. But that isn't to say that thats all the direction has in store. Aaron also creates a variety of angles that each one seems to be just the right one for the shot. This alone is a great achievement for any movie, not just this one. There is also a particular style that is achieved. The film seems to be constantly changing along with the insane camera angles. Everywhere you look there is some new effect, be it moving shadows or streetlamps reflecting off a wall. Sometimes you just look and go "god damn you Haynes" (as quoted by my friend Matt).

The narrative of this movie isn't anything to balk at either. Jon Barton does a tremendous job as the lead character, guiding the viewer through the world of Detective Joe Peterson and his journey. At times this felt like a book on tape that I was watching. In fact I even sometimes listen to the whole seven and a half minute commentary in my playlist, compliments of the director. I applaud Aaron also for the screenplay that the movie revolves around. He uses wit, humor and just general damn good storytelling to get that full film noir feel. And it definitely plays off well in the end and never once gets boring.

Grim Fandango was also a major influence for the making of this movie, as reflected in not only the style but the music. The Usual Suspects also pops up frequently and the two together make for an awesome soundtrack that really carries the movie during Jon's 'bathroom breaks'. Though there are a few of these little occurances the music really does bring out the feel and style that the movie achieves so seemingly effortlessly. Definitely no problems in this area, especially that ending credits music. I WONDER WHERE HE GOT THAT FROM. hehe

Overall Pamela is a movie that everyone has to see. I'm not suggesting, I'm commanding. This is seriously one of the most stylishly directed and written 3dmm movies that I've ever seen and it comes with an even greater message that takes a stab at most of the PAMs around, past, present, and future. I salute you on your efforts and I thank you for 15 minutes of great entertainment.

10/10