The steam experiment

Film Number: 06

Title: The Steam Experiment

Director: Phillippe Martinez

Cast: Val Kilmer, Armand Assante, Eric Roberts

Writer: Screenplay by Robert Malkani

Genre: Drama, Thriller

Date of Release: May 2009

Plot Summary: A deranged environmentalist locks up six people in a steam room in threat that his article on global warming be printed as headlines. Jimmy, played by Val Kilmer, is this esoteric character that is out to prove a very relevant point to the world. With the help of an online blind dating site, six different people come together at a grand hotel that is just about to go into renovation on the pretence that it is an opportunity of a lifetime to get to know the partners they have been teamed up with and to experience the majesty and luxury of this hotel. Before you know it, a steam room interaction takes a nasty turns leading to murder and an extremely unexpected ending. The steam experiment shuffles between Jimmy's confession to a dectective (Armand Assante) and what really takes place in that steam room.

My thoughts: As relevant as the topic of environment deterioration is in today's day and age, this film really squeezes out its acuteness. The only reason this film is watchable at first sight is the otherwise incredible Val Kilmer. In this film however, the actor does an absolutely hideous job. If one is clever enough, one would ideally stop watching this film in its first five to ten minutes, but the massive reputation of the actor forces you to believe somehow that something unexpectedly brilliant could takes place in the course of the film. Most definately not! The film is dry and boring coupled with some terrible acting. A genuine environmentalist would really change philosphy.

What shocks you however, is how a topic so important could be used to convey who-knows-what point! People die for reasons quite opposite to any relation to the dangers of global warming. The storyline in itself is so lousy that so much of it seems unexplained, leaving you completely baffled. Val Kilmer loses much reputation with a film like this in his dufflebag.

The technique of film makng adopted falls flat on its face. Amateur films could be rated higher! The lighting looks purposefully bad with the steam room shots burning so much on screen. Characters are so badly established that one does not know whose point of view to see the film in. Even the stunning Val Kilmer looks appaling.

Watch this movie, if at all, just to learn how not to make a film.

Rating: *