Shallow Grave Holds Up Over Time

As part of my new year’s resolution to re-visit my dvd collection, I kicked things off by revisiting Danny Boyle’s Shallow Grave. I’m happy to report that in my mind, Boyle’s first film effort still holds up since it’s release in 1995.

With the atmospheric and eerie music from composer Simon Boswell, outstanding performances by a younger Ewan McGregor, Kerry Fox, and Christopher Eccleston, this film clearly shows the beginnings of what has become Boyle’s unique vision, humour and style. Recurring themes present in all of Boyle’s films – greed, friendship and trust – take root here.

My favourite scene visually is still the attic shots of recently-gone-psychotic roomie David (played with super-creepiness by Christopher Eccleston), spies on his other roommates through strategically drilled holes all over the floor of the loft/ceiling of the apartment. I’m not sure if this was the idea of Boyle himself or cinematographer Brian Tufano, but the result is both visually and metaphorically fantastic.

So, in summary: if you haven’t seen this film before, get thee to a video store. And if you have, it’s worth a second or third viewing.