Masking Threshold

Okay. This is a tough one. I have a range of emotions after watching this movie, it has proposed a lot to think about, and some critical dilemmas too. Johannes Grenzfurthner has put together a risky, experimental, hard-on-senses eldtrich tale of obsession, desperation and the unexplainable. And all for only 20'000 moneys. It's a hard to love film, but it will find its way to its audience. Spiritually and thematically it has parallels with movies like "Primer" and Darren Aronofsky's "Pi", and also has lovecraftian angles.

The entire film consists of pretty much only close-ups, ranging from a few medium shots to a myriad of extreme macro photography. "Masking Threshold" is pure DIY madness, laid over a dangerously patient, but inventive and equal amounts repulsive and fascinating script. It must've taken a seriously long time to make the script a reality, for the monologue practically never ends, and the shot count seems to be unbelievably high. Additionally, the editing and sound design is very well done and fits the storytelling. There's a video-diaryl/youtube/desktop-film/documentary/POV feel and aesthetic, yes, all of those combined in one. 99% of the character spotlight is only on one, Ethan Haslam playing a character whose name we never learn, but he's aptly named "protagonist" on Imdb. The entire movie is narrated by his diary-like thought process, and the task at hand. He has made a make-shift lab in his apartment, and sets out to find a cure or at least a reason for his insufferable hearing impairment. Our protagonist works in IT, is a huge skeptic, desperate, suffering, and going down a deep and otherworldly rabbit hole... The movie, in a way, remains the same until the culmination, but at the same time shifts and turns constantly. In its first half or less, "Masking Threshold" requires an extra patience in answer to its tepid pacing, and quite quickly I learned this film requires pretty much constant focus and thought. But it all leads into more and more distressing vibes and a hands-down weird, grimy and darkly philosophical final act, which I'll admit kept me glued to the screen. At times "Masking Threshold" feels quite distressing, provocative, even repulsive, both visually and thematically. It's hard to pinpoint just one top message or theme, Grenzfurthner's concoction is a story of delusional obsession, a tale of today's society's madness, a modern Lovecraft story, a frightening presentation of nature itself. Despite all its flaws, this independent micro-budget feat is almost never less than fascinating. Granted, if you're prepared to give a chance to a reasonably unorthodox film that stretches and changes many standards of every day films. It's as indie as it gets. I honestly hadn't really seen a film like this before. For those whose interest might be piqued by the lovecraftian angle, I'll admit that one hour into I couldn't really see why it was gaining this reputation, but later and in the afterthought, I have to say, it is boldly and proudly very much along the lines of H. P. Lovecraft's literature and mythos.

In its extremely small, but eventually so vast feeling world, "Masking Threshold" makes itself as big as it could possible be, and might be one of the most original horror film I've seen, and one that gave the biggest mixed bag of feelings. It's not an easy watch, and I believe there are many turn-downs for many people, but overall it's a beast that I can't help but admire in the most odd of ways. I like movies that make me ponder a lot. Very hard to rate it. My rating: 7/10.

Masking Threshold (2021) is a thought-provoking and unsettling film that explores the complexities of sound, perception, and the human psyche. The movie follows a reclusive sound engineer who becomes increasingly obsessed with capturing the perfect sounds, leading him down a rabbit hole of paranoia and madness.

The film's greatest strength lies in its unique approach to storytelling, which is both fascinating and unnerving. The use of sound design is exceptional, creating a sense of tension and unease that permeates every scene. The cinematography is also noteworthy, with a muted color palette and a blend of close-ups and wide shots that adds to the overall sense of claustrophobia.

The lead performance is impressive, with the actor bringing a sense of vulnerability and intensity to the role. The character's descent into madness is both captivating and disturbing, making it difficult to look away from the screen.

One of the standout aspects of "Masking Threshold" is its exploration of themes such as isolation, obsession, and the blurring of reality and fantasy. The film raises important questions about the impact of technology on our lives and the consequences of becoming too detached from the world around us.

If you're a fan of psychological thrillers, experimental cinema, or are simply looking for something that will challenge your perceptions, "Masking Threshold" is definitely worth checking out. However, be warned that the film's slow-burning pace and abstract nature may not be to everyone's taste.

_Pros:_

• Unique and thought-provoking storytelling
• Exceptional sound design and cinematography
• Impressive lead performance
• Explores interesting themes and ideas

_Cons:_

• Slow-burning pace may test some viewers' patience
• Abstract nature may be confusing or off-putting for some
• Limited character development beyond the lead role

Overall, "Masking Threshold" is a haunting and thought-provoking film that will appeal to fans of experimental cinema and psychological thrillers. While it may not be to everyone's taste, it's a movie that will linger in your mind long after the credits roll.

First things first, this isn't really horror per se, but I suppose going insane would be considered horror. This film focuses on senses in every way possible, sight, sound, taste, smell, and touch. It's those senses that intensifies over time and for some, becomes a crutch into self isolation as it turns into psychological paranoia.

The film introduces you into each of these senses with spiraling inner thoughts spoken out as the film goes on, and then leads to full blown insanity that ends in surrender. If you focus on the underlying context without feeling bored, you'll understand why this film plays out this way.

Complete insanity in doses.

I do not know where to start. This is one of the most unique movie experiences I've ever had. A truly astrounding depiction of the descent into madness. Fascinating.

A paranoid tech guy frustrated by his constant tinnitus opens up about his obsessive attempts to cure his debilitating tinnitus through a series of home experiments in a makeshift lab. But as his investigations grow darker and more frightening, a terrible secret behind his desperate condition is revealed - and the possible cure is even darker than he could have ever imagined.

It's an intriguingly intimate experiment in minimalist horror that shows how far a filmmaker can go with a simple premise: to show a man's mental breakdown documented through an online video diary.

This is a masterful piece of movie making, reminiscent of Poe's The Telltale Heart. A horror ASMR film with a faceless protagonist describing his efforts to prove his sanity. In fact, what we see as an audience is a detailed decent into madness. The brutality and delusions continue to escalate as the movie moves along. I entered in to this experience with no idea of what i was in for. This was a nice surprise. However, this film is nor for everyone. I'm trying to just describe the feeling of this film without ruining it for that 1in 5 person that will love it. The plot description says all you need to know going in.