I had the great pleasure of viewing this amazing little title after a seemingly random invitation via Twitter.
The one constant that I have read online and personally experienced is what a surprisingly polished looking (and sounding) final product Horrocks has produced. Anyone who isn't an avid fan of micro budget indie film will be the first to tell you digital video doesn't look professional and is distracting. I tend to agree. I can't usually get absorbed into films like Inland Empire simply because of the format they are shot on. This is where Horrocks has done something rare and spectacular by making his budgetary restrictions really work for him.
From the opening scene the film is instantly engaging and enthralling. The subject matter is challenging and not for everyone but rewarding nonetheless. The locations all look hauntingly familiar and yet skewed, like a bizarre dream. The score is superb and didn't rely on bombastic fanfare to elevate every key scene. The cast, especially Tim Scott- Walker did a fantastic job with the complex material and should be applauded for making some of these odd-ball characters so believable.
There were a couple of lines in places with slightly clunky delivery but beyond that, I cannot find fault anywhere. Would it have benefited from having a much larger budget? Probably but It wouldn't make it any more or less watch-able. It's refreshing to see a director proving that buckets of cash aren't necessary to make a brilliant film, just a great story and a dedicated cast/crew.
This is a definitely a director to watch out for. I imagine he could continue making little indie gems like this or move seamlessly on to big productions like Lynch or Nolan. I highly recommend anyone who loves film to seek this out.
The one constant that I have read online and personally experienced is what a surprisingly polished looking (and sounding) final product Horrocks has produced. Anyone who isn't an avid fan of micro budget indie film will be the first to tell you digital video doesn't look professional and is distracting. I tend to agree. I can't usually get absorbed into films like Inland Empire simply because of the format they are shot on. This is where Horrocks has done something rare and spectacular by making his budgetary restrictions really work for him.
From the opening scene the film is instantly engaging and enthralling. The subject matter is challenging and not for everyone but rewarding nonetheless. The locations all look hauntingly familiar and yet skewed, like a bizarre dream. The score is superb and didn't rely on bombastic fanfare to elevate every key scene. The cast, especially Tim Scott- Walker did a fantastic job with the complex material and should be applauded for making some of these odd-ball characters so believable.
There were a couple of lines in places with slightly clunky delivery but beyond that, I cannot find fault anywhere. Would it have benefited from having a much larger budget? Probably but It wouldn't make it any more or less watch-able. It's refreshing to see a director proving that buckets of cash aren't necessary to make a brilliant film, just a great story and a dedicated cast/crew.
This is a definitely a director to watch out for. I imagine he could continue making little indie gems like this or move seamlessly on to big productions like Lynch or Nolan. I highly recommend anyone who loves film to seek this out.