Kiyoshi Kurosawa’s 2001 techno-horror film Pulse is a masterclass in suspense and unease. The film’s unsettling scenes are not reliant on jump scares, but rather on building a sense of dread and unease in the viewer. The movie’s plot follows two different storylines that take place in Tokyo, both of which involve characters who are isolated and lonely, and are subsequently haunted by ghosts that invade the physical world through technology.
One of the most memorable and terrifying scenes in the film is the scene where Toshio Yabe discovers a ghostly woman in a basement apartment. The scene is simple in its execution, with no elaborate special effects or gore, but it is still incredibly effective in scaring the viewer. The woman’s ghost appears to be human, but her movements are stiff and unnatural, and her silence and weightlessness add to the sense of unease.
The score during this scene is a dissonant, wailing woman’s voice that adds to the feeling of dread and isolation. The scene is a perfect example of how Kurosawa’s direction and the performances of the actors combine to create a sense of unease and fear in the viewer.
Pulse 2001 (Image via Getty)
The themes of Pulse are more relevant now than ever, with the film’s exploration of the effects of technology on our lives and our sense of isolation and loneliness. The film’s depiction of ghosts invading the physical world through technology is a powerful metaphor for the ways in which technology can spread despair and isolation.
Pulse is a must-watch for horror fans, and is a great example of how a well-crafted scene can be more effective in scaring the viewer than any amount of gore or jump scares. The film’s ability to build a sense of unease and dread in the viewer makes it a great choice for a Halloween movie marathon, and its exploration of themes that are still relevant today makes it a must-watch for anyone who is interested in horror and suspense.
