“Return to Silent Hill” will begin filming next month in Germany and Eastern Europe. The film is being described as a horror reboot. So it’s possible that it’s learning some lessons from the mistakes of its predecessor “Silent Hill.” Then again, original director Christopher Gans is returning to head up the film, so perhaps not. You’ll forgive us if we’re lacking in confidence. Adaptations of video games have only recently started to get things right.
“Return to Silent Hill” will take it’s cues from the “Silent Hill 2” game. “War Horse“‘s Jeremy Irvine will be playing the prolific role of James Sunderland. Hannah Emily Anderson of “Jigsaw” fame will play the part of Maria. There’s a lot to unpack in “Silent Hill 2,” and the twists involved in the game’s plot are part of what fans adore about it. Whether this film will live up to that expectation is doubtful.
Not Instilling Confidence, Here
“‘Return to Silent Hill’ is a mythological love story about someone so deeply in love, they’re willing to go to hell to save someone,” Gans said. “I’m delighted to have the wonderful talents of both Jeremy Irvine and Hannah Emily Anderson take us on this journey into a psychological horror world that I hope will both satisfy and surprise fans of Silent Hill.'”
At least someone’s excited. Producer Victor Hadida states they’re working closely with Konami to give audiences a more modern “Silent Hill.” Does that mean slot machines will be involved?
If you’re a gamer, you know Konami has been significantly out of the video game business for a long time, and have thoughtlessly disrespected their own IPs more than once. “Working closely” with them doesn’t do much to quell our skepticism that this film will be better than its predecessor. Given that the first film added monsters that held no meaning to its main characters, including Pyramid Head — who belongs in “Silent Hill 2” for a reason specific to James –, the bubble-headed nurses, and the lying figures. It suffered the same mistakes “Resident Evil” won’t stop making: adding iconic monsters without understanding their context.
And for “Silent Hill,” context is essential.
