Shallow Grave

The next film that the list of '100 Greatest Scary Movies' encourages us to explore introduces us to a type of horror we have not yet seen: The horror of normal people finding out just how evil and terrible they can be. Shallow Grave is number 91 in rank and was directed by the now renowned Danny Boyle, featuring Ewan McGregor and Christopher Eccleston, both very young at the time. It presents to us the question: How far would you go if fortune fell into your lap?

Shallow Grave follows the unfortunate series of events that three friends bring upon themselves after taking on a new roommate. Right off the bat, we see that these people are self-centered and without deeper empathy for their fellow man. They are not cruel per se, not evil people by any stretch, but watching their interviews with prospective renters leaves you with the impression that they care little for the feelings of those they have no connection to, and unwanted applicants are the victims of gleeful pranks. But eventually they settle upon a mysterious businessman named Hugo. Hugo is clever and witty, just like the lot of them and they take a liking to him. But then he drops dead and to their surprise, they find themselves in the possession of a briefcase stuffed to the gills with money.

With such a set-up, it is hard to go wrong. After much debate, the threesome decide that they will keep the money and dispose of the corpse. It is brilliantly pitched, and watching their disposition change as the reality of the situation sets in is a wonder to behold. As the plan is discussed, they are rather joking about it, as if they do not see the reality of what they intend to do. In a classic scenario of psychological horror, it is decided just one of the three will take part in the mutilation of the body necessary to keep it unidentifiable. And it is a perfect scene; it truly makes us comprehend the madness that these people have given themselves into. After such madness, it is only expected that post-traumatic stress disorder sets in and things start getting rocky between the dear old friends.

That is what this film is all about; stressful situations can put a strain on even the strongest of friendships and as each of them unravel in their own unique way, they begin to see that they did not know their friends as well as they thought they did. Christopher Eccleston epitomizes this better than anyone of the three and as the one forced to saw through bone and flesh, he beings to take ownership of the money, guarding it like an animal, and in actuality very much becoming one. Is money the root of all evil? It may be. But madness dwells within us all and we are all guilty of coveting what is not ours.

I like this film for many reasons, the least of which not being the constant double crossing and scheming done on all of their parts. We never quite know their intentions until the very end and depending on whom you have been rooting for, you may be pleased with who comes out ahead. But also I love the examination of the dynamics that exist within our friendships, the relationships we engage in willingly. We are a social creature to be sure, but the urge of self-preservation can sometimes be far too great.