Vampires – those mystical creatures who have been living in our minds for centuries. Ever since Bram Stoker wrote his novel Dracula back in 1897, the cine industry recognized the considerable opportunity it had to exploit the beliefs and fears of the audience and create films that make the viewer look around and listen to every noise after he gets away from the comfort of the local theater and strolls on the streets of his neighborhood.
The Swedish film Låt den rätte komma in (Let The Right One In) is the best coming of age vampire film, receiving recognition by both critics and fans alike. A year later, a US remake was released under the title Let Me In. It is yet to be seen if the remake will disappoint or entertain.
This review will concentrate on a short childrens horror film based on a short story by John Ajvide Lindqvist – the author of Let the Right One In. Its original title is Pappersväggar (or Paperwalls in English) and it was released at the beginning of 2007. While there are no vampires in this film, there is a large cardboard box. It’s a box so big that it soon captures the imagination of the twelve-year-old boy whose father brought it to him. The box becomes a place for the boy to dream and fantasize. In a sense, it becomes the kingdom he rules and shapes. But it turns out that the box also becomes a point of contact with something unseen and unknown …
I have seen a variety of short films, but I’m unlikely to remember Pappersväggar for anything more than the light bursting scene which at least played the role of grabbing the attention of the viewer. The film purports to focus on youthful imagination, creativity and determination, but I wouldn’t really recommend Pappersväggar unless you are up to the 18 minute challenge of attempting to grasp its meaning.
Film title: Pappersväggar
Alternative titles: Paper Walls
Release year: 2007
Cast: Hannes Eriksson
