I watched Clown at a screening at the Northwest Film Forum in Seattle. Being a fan of Robert Newman's work and also being a native of the area, I try to catch anything he's done, even though this is only his second feature. Clown can only be explained by watching it. It's nothing new, it's not perfect, and even their website says they don't use cheap scares to get a reaction, and they end up resorting to it. All in all I was very happy with the finished product. The cinematography was great, the script was pretty solid, and the overall funky, 70s vibe feel of the film made it even better. I won't lie, there is a few places of slip-shoddy editing, there is a scene with sunshine and the cutaway there is overcast. What I thoroughly enjoyed was that I didn't feel I was watching an indie flick where the Director is self-absorbed into making something different. It wasn't pretentious, it didn't try to go overboard with make-up effects. They used what they had in their budget to try and keep the realism intact. Gore hounds might shy away, but those who can follow a basic story and enjoy the great dialogue will enjoy this creepy little flick. I am waiting for the DVD release but as far as I know it's slated for October 2007.
Reviews
4 Reviews
Ghost Hunters, Inc. Presents: The Graveyard Shift
(2005 Video)
Unrelenting laughter and horror!
18 July 2005
I was a little weary about accepting that there were ghosts caught on film and that this could be just like every other ghost hunting documentary out there. My opinion quickly changed after watching this little gem, that profiles three days in the lives of a ghost hunting group in Eastern Pennsylvania. The film starts out with kind of a "Night of the Living Dead-esquire" feel but soon changes to more of a documentary. Immediately starting with the opening credit montage, I was hooked. I definitely recommend this film for those who are looking for some hardcore evidence of the paranormal, it's not like that Ghost hunter schlock on Sci-Fi. This film is also not for younger ages because of it's crudeness and adult content! Definitely worth checking out, you'll have some laughs and then get the crap scared out of you! No wonder this film is causing controversy!
Rent's Due
(2004)
A great little Silent Film!
10 April 2005
When I first saw this film, I was blown away by the production value put forth by the team behind "Rent's Due" The cinematography was emulated so well to that of the silent film era, I forgot I was watching a modern piece of film. The concept was also amazingly original and refreshing. Well done to those involved! The theme involves a Laundromat, and many zany characters that make this short film a worthwhile watch. Using a bunch of unknown actors from Seattle, the Director was able to make a masterpiece, and amazingly enough this was all done using Digital Video. Rent's Due is currently garnering much attention on the film festival circuit, and hopefully will be an example to other filmmakers who want their art seen by others.
House of 1000 Corpses
(2003)
A brilliant use of film!
4 September 2003
As I have read recently, there is not a lot of people who enjoyed this film. Me on the other hand thought the use of photography was brilliant. I watched this film from beginning to end, and was able to appreciate almost every scene. It's weird, it's flashy, and it's not "I know what you did last summer". I look at this film as paying homage to films such as The Texas Chainsaw Massacre and The Hills have eyes, not copy them. Towards the end, it loses a little bit, but still manages to keep me glued to my seat. I know we don't identify with the characters completely, I mean, we have two bitchy girls and two dorks. Are we supposed to root for them? I think not. We're not exactly rooting for the Firefly family either, but me personally, was entertained by their craziness. I personally like the way the torture is portrayed. I'm not one for watching that kinda thing on a normal basis, but Zombie sets the atmosphere quite well. It's dark humor all the way through and also very twisted. It doesn't tie up all loose ends, so there is more to leave the viewer to ponder, and the fact that Rob Zombie never went to film school is not evident in this masterpiece! I recommend it to anyone who agrees that good doesn't always win, that's not how the real world functions, why should EVERY movie?
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