Weekly Wednesday: Horns provides a new look on Radcliffe

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MCT

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Ross Pergande, Copy Editor

Released on Oct. 31 in the United States, Horns provides an original performance by Daniel Radcliffe, who is trying to escape his defining role as the chosen wizard in Harry Potter. His most recent film is surrounded by conflicting criticisms, arguing that a poor script placed limitations on the considerably impressive performance from Radcliffe.

In short, the movie is about a man, Ig Perrish, whose longtime girlfriend has recently been brutally murdered, an event which causes Ig to sprout horns.The storyline is hindered by almost sarcastic screenplay and scenes that are difficult to take serious, which makes the dark undertone of the film feel corny. After getting used to Radcliffe masking his native English accent, which amusingly makes him sound like the stereotypical nasally-voiced recluse, the viewer is able to appreciate the impulsiveness of his acting and the screenplay itself. This aspect leaves you with an understanding of the dramatic irony imposed on the audience, but still feeling like it’s content lacking.

The presence of Ig’s horns leaves people submissive to a paranormal force, making the everyday citizen perform the most heinous of crimes, or reveal their primitive lusts. This uncalled for, but creative spin, adds a comedic air to the otherwise dark tone of the production.

I definitely do not expect Horns to win many prestigious awards, or any of its actors/actresses for that matter, but seeing Daniel Radcliffe with an authentic American accent while trying out the horror/crime genre is certainly entertaining. Although the movie had much more potential, it is worth watching. Radcliffe is branching out of his status as the child star of the Harry Potter series, entering the sphere of indie movies and testing his talents in production.