Lakeview Terrace
DIR: Neil LaBute • WRI: David Loughery, Howard Korder• PRO: James Lassiter • DOP: Rogier Stoffers • ED: Joel Plotch • DES: Bruton Jones • CAST: Samuel L. Jackson, Patrick Wilson, Kerry Washington, Jay Hernandez

In the hands of a director such as Todd Field – the man behind the terrific domestic dramas In the Bedroom and Little Children – Lakeview Terrace could have evolved into a moving, provocative examination of racism and prejudice within the hybrid of cultures and lifestyles that is contemporary Los Angeles. Unfortunately, the project landed into the hands of Neil LaBute who – after his highly unsuccessful ‘rethinking’ of horror classic The Wicker Man – has helped to shape the project into a largely entertaining B movie.

Newlyweds Chris and Lisa Mattson (Wilson and Washington, respectively) arrive at their newly purchased abode only to be greeted by Abel Turner (Jackson): the neighbour from hell, who happens to also be a cop. Turner takes a natural disliking to the Mattson’s due to his own prejudices with race and society and the couple’s interracial relationship. With the law on his side, Turner shows his prejudices through a series of attacks on the couple’s home, which become increasingly volatile until he ultimately loses control.

Those hoping for an insightful glimpse into the interracial society that has evolved within the western world will be left unsatisfied, as LaBute’s film shares a stronger resemblance with monster movies such as Godzilla than challenging dramas like Crash; the implicated themes of race, masculinity and the development of an intercultural society are left unexamined to allow the film to deliver its clichéd thrills. And there are a handful of genuinely thrilling moments (particularly when Turner is unleashed into the public sphere such as the Mattson’s housewarming, a co-worker’s stag party, etc.) and these are helped by a highly capable cast, but then undermined by the unnecessarily melodramatic nature of the music, the dialogue and the camerawork, which lends the movie an unintentionally camp and comedic nature.

Anyone satisfied with a clichéd fright or anyone interested will find Lakeview Terrace a compelling ride, but those looking for something more should be advised to avoid. 

Michael Peers
(Read biog here)

Rated TBC (see IFCO website for details)
Lakeview Terrace is released on 5th December 2008
Lakeview Terrace – Official website