Friday, April 3, 2009

Midnight Meat Train (2008)

Leon is a photographer who wants to move from taking photos for the papers to becoming a fine art photographer who portrays the city realistically. When his friend introduces him to an important local gallery owner, Susan,  who tells Leon that he has failed in his vision as his photos do not move the viewer or tell the real story that is lurking in the city.

After Leon photographs an attempted rape in a deserted subway at 2am, Susan is impressed and asks for a few more photos so she can include his work in a show.  Leon heads to the subway in the early morning hours and see's the man he comes to know as The Butcher exciting the subway station.  Leon follows him to take his photo, but lacks any sort of subtlety or stealth and ends up apologizing to the Butcher for following him.

Leon then makes a connection between the Butcher and the attempted rape victim who disappeared on the subway.  At this, Leon becomes obsessed with the Butcher, following him around the city.  He even goes so far as to follow him into the building where he works and photograph him while he is working. Leon becomes convinced that the Butcher is responsible for numerous disappearances on the subway, but can not find anyone to believe him.

What I found annoying about this film is Leon making horrible decisions regarding his photography.   He seems to think that the only way to truly capture the city is to go out in the city at 2am.  Why is that any more real than the things that happen during the day time?  In fact, going out at that time makes it more likely that Leon will be a victim of crime.  He's taking photos of dangerous people and is not very subtle about it.  He goes into the Butcher's workplace and takes photos - how can he think this guy won't notice?  

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