Ultimately, I like how the plot of I Hate the Man in My Basement plays out. It goes in a direction you don’t expect, and it really stands as a character study of a decent man who put himself in a morally compromising position. I especially like how the double life that Claude lives eventually intersects, thus forcing a decision to be made. It all leads to a solid thriller ending.
As much as I liked Cook’s film, there is an issue that keeps it from being great. The problem is the weight given to the kidnapping. It’s just not heavy enough. There’s an opportunity for Claude to go truly dark with his “crime.” True, it would have sent the entire film into the realms of your traditional thriller/horror films.
“…it really stands as a character study of a decent man, who put himself in a morally compromising position.”
I surmise, though, that Cook didn’t want to go in that direction and make a standard Hollywood thriller. I admire the fact that he’s more interested in the character development and arc of not only Claude but of Logan and Riley. Getting back to the issue of gravitas, the finale still didn’t have enough of it. Claude doesn’t sink deep enough, and the consequences of his actions are not harsh enough. Logan is too willing to accept his imprisonment versus finding a real way out.
There’s a moment of discovery in the third act, that more or less lets Claude off the hook. In other words, it doesn’t always feel like what Claude did was necessarily wrong. The problem is this will cause the audience to ask, “why doesn’t he just do this?” “Why doesn’t she do that?” “Why are they ignoring the other thing?” We call these plot holes.
I Hate the Man in My Basement is a fun thrill ride that needs sharper twists and turns to match the intensity of the exciting plot idea presented.
"…I especially like how the double life that Claude lives eventually intersects..."
