Of things that go bump in the night

Film review: White House

MANILA, Philippines - Regal Entertainment’s Halloween offering this year is Topel Lee’s White House; and from the outset, I am happy to report that the film finds director Topel back in a genre he knows inside-out, and from where he operates at the “top of his game.”

A slick, horror film that utilizes elements of today’s favorite TV fare, the reality show, White House readily provides the shocks and bumps in the night that we relish whenever we watch a horror film.

When first we meet Jed Castillo (Gabby Concepcion), he’s being interviewed on a television show, discoursing on the world of the other side, of evil ghosts and hauntings. The executive producer of a forthcoming reality show (Maricar Reyes) then asks him to sign on as spirit consultant, as the show’s premise is to place real people in a haunted house, with the last survivor winning a million pesos.

That the house provides more than Jed could ever bargain for, and that the contestants are literally driven against (and into) the wall is what makes up the film’s plotline. With Gabby’s character acting as the moral center, the film is really about ensemble casting, with the likes of Lovi Poe, Megan Young, Joem Bascon, Mo Twister, et. al. playing the contestants, and Iza Calzado essaying the role of the malevolent Black Lady.

The irrepressible Janus del Prado plays a gay production assistant and provides much of the humor that emerges as “shafts of light” and relief as Topel raises the terror quotient. Another excellent source of humor is found in the interview process, as the contestants are being selected, and it’s here where Joem shines in a hilarious manner, endearing himself to the audience.

The essence of any horror film is not the actual scenes as they’re shot, but the post-production process, as music, silence, editing, false starts and special effects, all push the audience to anticipate the worst, placing them at the edge of their seats. It’s here where Topel is undisputed master. Even his cinematography adds to the tension, as he makes excellent use of shadow, darkness and off-center, peripheral action. Janus, after the film, spoke about how while filming, it was Topel acting like a camp counselor, engaging them in games and fun while shooting. Watching the finished product for the first time during the premiere, Janus recounted how so many of his fellow actors were screaming their heads off and kicking the seats in front of them, appreciative of how the film was truly scary, a far cry from what they experienced while in production. Full kudos to Topel for making even his cast spellbound, and gripping their armrests in horror.

White House then is exactly what the doctor ordered this Halloween; and while it does require our suspension of disbelief, one does have to hand it to Topel for making the final odd 45 minutes of the film a dizzying shockfest.