Pulse (2006) is an American horror film directed by Jim Sonzero, serving as a remake of the 2001 Japanese film “Kairo” by Kiyoshi Kurosawa. Starring Kristen Bell, Ian Somerhalder, and Christina Milian, the movie follows a group of students who discover that a mysterious wireless signal is allowing vengeful spirits to invade the world of the living. The film explores themes of technophobia, isolation, and supernatural intrusion, using a desaturated color palette to enhance its eerie atmosphere. Originally scripted by Wes Craven before undergoing multiple rewrites, “Pulse” was filmed in Bucharest, Romania, and faced several production challenges.
Table of Contents
Introduction
“Pulse” (2006) is a supernatural horror film directed by Jim Sonzero and based on the 2001 Japanese film Kairo by Kiyoshi Kurosawa. The movie explores the terrifying idea that wireless technology can serve as a gateway for restless spirits to invade the living world. Featuring a cast led by Kristen Bell, Ian Somerhalder, and Christina Milian, Pulse combines psychological horror with themes of technophobia and isolation. With a visually desaturated, eerie aesthetic, the film attempts to create an unsettling atmosphere. Despite its intriguing premise and stylistic approach, Pulse struggled to resonate with critics and audiences, ultimately becoming another divisive entry in the wave of American remakes of Japanese horror films.
Main Cast
- Kristen Bell as Mattie Webber – The protagonist, a psychology student investigating eerie events following her boyfriend’s suicide.
- Ian Somerhalder as Dexter McCarthy – A computer hacker who helps Mattie uncover the truth behind the supernatural forces spreading through technology.
- Jonathan Tucker as Josh Ockmann – Mattie’s boyfriend, whose mysterious suicide triggers the events of the film.
- Christina Milian as Isabelle Fuentes – Mattie’s best friend who gets drawn into the terrifying occurrences.
- Rick Gonzalez as Stone – A close friend of Mattie and Isabelle, also caught in the horror.
- Riki Lindhome as Janelle – Another one of Mattie’s friends.
- Samm Levine as Tim – A minor character connected to the central group of friends.
- Ron Rifkin as Dr. Waterson – A psychiatrist who provides insight into the strange happenings.
- Zach Grenier as Professor Cardiff – A university professor who plays a role in explaining the film’s themes.
- Octavia Spencer as Landlady – The owner of Mattie’s apartment building.
- Brad Dourif as Thin Bookish Guy – A mysterious character who provides cryptic knowledge about the supernatural events.
- Joseph Gatt as Dark Figure – A supernatural entity haunting the characters.
- Robert Clotworthy as Calvin – A supporting character.
- Christine Barger as Goth Girl – A minor character interacting with Mattie and her friends.
- Steve Tom as Male Newscaster #2 – A reporter covering the unfolding crisis.
- Kel O’Neill as Douglas Ziegler – A character entangled in the film’s mystery.
- Moira Price as Sarah – A minor but significant character.
- Mike J. Regan as Phantom – A supernatural entity in the film.
- Lee Garlington as Aunt Carmen – A family figure.
- Lynn Blackburn as Teacher – A character in the university setting.
- Rider Strong as Adam – A friend of the main characters.
- Noureen DeWulf as Salwa – A minor character.
- Jamie Bamber as Stephen – A supporting character.
- Boti Bliss as Marta – A background character.
- Laura Cayouette as Amy – A minor role.
- Todd Giebenhain as Thomas Ziegler – A character connected to the mystery.
- Karley Scott Collins / Brittany Finamore as Justine – A young girl caught in the supernatural events.
- David Jensen as Schizophrenic – A patient affected by the horrors.
- Georgina Rylance as Michelle – A secondary character.
- John Gulager as Man on Bridge – A character in a pivotal scene.
- Diane Ayala Goldner as Mrs. Sorenstram / Sarah Wilkie – A supporting character with a link to the haunting.
- Grant James as Uncle Pete – A relative of one of the main characters
Production Details
The film was produced by Michael Leahy, Joel Soisson, Anant Singh, and Brian Cox. The screenplay underwent several revisions, initially penned by Wes Craven and Vince Gilligan, with later contributions from Tim Day and Ray Wright. Principal photography took place between June and September 2005 in Bucharest, Romania.
Trailer Highlights
The official trailer for “Pulse” sets a chilling tone, showcasing eerie scenes where technology becomes a conduit for malevolent forces. It highlights the central characters’ struggle against an unseen enemy that spreads through electronic devices, creating an atmosphere of pervasive dread.
Key Themes
- Technophobia: The film delves into fears surrounding technology, particularly how our increasing connectivity might open doors to unknown dangers.
- Isolation: Despite being constantly connected, characters experience profound loneliness, emphasizing the paradox of modern communication.
- Supernatural Intrusion: The narrative explores the boundary between the living and the dead, with spirits invading the physical world through technological means.
Overall Review
“Pulse” received predominantly negative reviews upon its release. Critics pointed out its failure to capture the atmospheric dread of the original Japanese version, relying instead on conventional horror tropes. The film holds an 11% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes, with the consensus stating: “Another stale American remake of a successful Japanese horror film, Pulse bypasses the emotional substance of the original and overcompensates with pumped-up visuals and every known horror cliché.
Challenges and Environments
The production faced several challenges, including script rewrites and directorial changes. Originally, Wes Craven was attached to direct but departed due to other commitments. Filming in Bucharest presented logistical hurdles, requiring the adaptation of local settings to fit the film’s narrative.
Fan Anticipation and Critical Reception
Anticipation was moderate, especially among fans of the original Japanese film. However, the movie underperformed critically and commercially. It grossed over $8 million in its opening weekend in the United States but concluded its run with approximately $20 million domestically, barely recouping its production budget.
Visual Style
The film employs a desaturated color palette, predominantly using blue and green hues to evoke a bleak and unsettling atmosphere. This visual approach aimed to reflect the film’s themes of isolation and technological dread.
Director Introduction
Jim Sonzero, primarily known for his work in commercials and music videos, made his feature film directorial debut with “Pulse.” His background influenced the film’s stylized visuals, though some critics felt the emphasis on aesthetics overshadowed narrative depth.
Release Date
If Pulse were to have a re-release or a new installment set for April 3, 2025, the announcement would generate excitement among horror fans, especially those intrigued by supernatural and technology-driven horror themes.
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