Screenwriter Chris Sparling, director Rodrigo Cortes and star Ryan Reynolds attended the screening and fielded a Q&A session.
Buried
Directed by Rodrigo Cortés
USA/Spain
Part of the Special Presentations Programme
By Sean Kelly
Buried was probably the film I was most anticipating to see at TIFF this year. I always thought the premise of a one-actor show was quite intriguing. In addition, the film was getting good buzz since its first showing at Sundance. After seeing the film, I’m happy to say that it most definitely met my expectations.
As you may know, the entire film consists of Ryan Reynolds trapped within a coffin that is buried underground. One would wonder how you can make a good film with this seemingly limited premise, however, it truly is quite suspenseful. The film is lighted entirely by the objects Reynold’s character of Paul Conroy has with him in the coffin, including a lighter, flashlight, and a cell phone.
Calling Buried a one-man show isn’t entirely accurate. While it is true that Conroy is the only character shown on screen, there are a number of secondary characters, who appear only through phone conversations. As such, the bulk of the story is developed through the various phone calls Conroy makes and receives.
Since it’s a one location film with one central character, it would be hard to say much more about the film without giving too much away. I will say, though, that I was impressed by the editing of the film, which allows the viewer to easily discern what’s going on, even though the film is shot within a tight, cramped space.
I will conclude by saying that Buried is undoubtedly the favourite film I’ve seen at the festival so far and it may end up being one of my favourite films of the year. It is that good.
