Chris Cleek discovers a feral woman living in the forests behind his home, and decides to capture her and lock her away in his family's cellar so that they can begin to "domesticate" her... Or so it would seem... Offensive, appalling, and dangerous are just three of the terms that could accurately be used to describe Lucky McKee's exploitative shocker THE WOMAN, a film conceived from the novel that he co-wrote with critically-acclaimed author Jack Ketchum as a follow-up to The Offspring.
Where the violence and torture in THE GIRL NEXT DOOR is often condoned for its connections to True Crime, and the movie adaptation of THE OFFSPRING is typically shrugged away as being Survivalist trash, there is something profoundly disturbing in McKee's handling of THE WOMAN that makes it such a harrowing viewing experience. McKee's sharp, cynical humor finds its way back in to every scene, but given the difficulty of the subject matter, the audience simply is not prepared to use laughter as a safety net for the horror. It is clear, from the very brginning, that McKee is toying with his audiences, using bright, cheerful colors and an upbeat Indie score to purely contradict the dark overriding themes. The constant disruption of mood only works to amplify the director's twisted sense of humor. He never asks us to overlook the horrifying impact of the images or events on screen, he is simply highlighting them for their inherent absurdity. The torture, rape, and abuse found within the film are meant to be as disgusting and enraging as perceived in order to drive out an emotional response in the viewer. This is consistent with the gut-wrenching reactions to other ground-breaking Horror entries like THE LAST HOUSE ON THE LEFT, I SPIT ON YOUR GRAVE, or more recently, MARTYRS and DEADGIRL. THE WOMAN also returns us to the all-too-familiar theme of "Civilization Versus Savagery," which has been frequented by directors like Wes Craven and Sam Peckinpah in their films THE HILLS HAVE EYES and STRAW DOGS.
The cast is certainly not to be forgotten beneath McKee's choices as a director. Each of these actors and actresses are equally responsible for carrying out the unbearable acts on screen without so much as a wink to the audience. Sean Bridgers plays Chris Cleek as if he were Ted Bundy. Calm, cool, and collected on the surface, but hiding a soul of absolute evil. His wife and children are undeniably oppressed, with both Angela Bettis and Lauren Ashley Carter reaching deep in to the dark recesses of the mind to find where abused women go to shelter themselves. They are utterly believable on screen. Their son Brian, played by Zach Rand, has inherited his father's sociopathic tendencies through constant psychological abuse as well. We pity him for becoming a victim of both nature and nurture. Interestingly enough, "The Woman" for which the film was named is but a side character, a catalyst used to reveal Chris as the film's true villain. He is infinitely more frightening than his new "houseguest."
THE WOMAN is not for all audiences. It is upsetting and morally questionable, but it is extremely effective in achieving its desired goals. Fans of Lucky McKee's work will find this to be his darkest project to date, but one that strictly keeps in line with the director's peculiar style and sensibilities.
Rating: 8/10.
Movies like THE WOMAN:
THE OFFSPRING, THE HILLS HAVE EYES, THE LAST HOUSE ON THE LEFT, THE GIRL NEXT DOOR, DOGTOOTH, MARTYRS, JENIFER, DEADGIRL.
Trailer:
Reaction:
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Monday, May 28, 2012
Sunday, May 27, 2012
Night of the Comet (1984)
A passing comet has turned most of the world to ash... Everyone, that is, except for two Valley Girls and a handful of freaked-out zombies that have been set loose in downtown Los Angeles! Write/Director Thom Eberhardt mixes THE OMEGA MAN and DAWN OF THE DEAD with trendy teen comedies like VALLEY GIRL from the early 80's to give us NIGHT OF THE COMET, the campy cult-classic from 1984. At the end of the world, our airheaded heroines are more concerned with doing some free shopping and fighting over the last boy on Earth than grieving over the rest of humanity. Luckily for them, Daddy taught them how to shoot a machine gun, so they can casually blast away any of the undead that happen to get in the way of their good time. Eberhardt cleverly parodies the youth culture of the time using both wit and satire, which are brought out splendidly in the performances by Catherine Mary Stewart and Kelli Maroney. These two play up the ridiculousness of their characters' speech and actions while still creating a believable pair of self-absorbed sisters. Eberhardt succeeds most in delivering his vision of a post-apocalyptic Los Angeles on a budget. The use of red filters to produce a hazy radioactive fallout over the empty city streets produces a convincing overall effect. Add to that a final note of distrust in the military machine, and you have yourself a mini-Romero for a new age.
Rating: 7/10.
Movies like NIGHT OF THE COMET:
NIGHT OF THE CREEPS, SORORITY BABES IN THE SLIMEBALL BOWL-O-RAMA, CHOPPER CHICKS IN ZOMBIETOWN, THE OMEGA MAN, CHOPPING MALL, DAWN OF THE DEAD.
Trailer:
Read The Full Post HERE!
Rating: 7/10.
Movies like NIGHT OF THE COMET:
NIGHT OF THE CREEPS, SORORITY BABES IN THE SLIMEBALL BOWL-O-RAMA, CHOPPER CHICKS IN ZOMBIETOWN, THE OMEGA MAN, CHOPPING MALL, DAWN OF THE DEAD.
Trailer:
Read The Full Post HERE!
Saturday, May 26, 2012
The People Under the Stairs (1991)
Fool decides to help Leroy break into the landlord's creepy mansion in order to help his momma pay rent, but they quickly become trapped by the twisted owners and the other lost children that they keep locked in the cellar! Wes Craven returns with another traditional fairy tale turned sour in THE PEOPLE UNDER THE STAIRS, from 1991. Craven lends an urban edge to the classics of storytelling, tying the deep-rooted theme of racial discrimination into the plot. The character archetypes of classic literature are ever present, as described in Fool's tarot card reading at the beginning of the film. Our villains are purposefully designed to be over-the-top and outrageously evil. They are sadists, cannibals, AND incestuous lovers. We ae told that each generation from this family became greedier and greedier, and with that greed, they grew more and more insane. The division between the rich white family and the poor, oppressed minorities is evident from the very beginning, but the racial discrimintation only grow more severe as the film presses onward. Everett McGill and Wendy Robie are truly a twisted pair as the crazed landlords, as they willingly lose themselves in the wild-eyed characters. Brandon Quintin Adams quickly wins over the audiences' effections as well as the smart-mouthed but courageous young hero, Fool. Although light on scares, THE PEOPLE UNDER THE STAIRS provides a thrilling adventure that falls closer in line with films like THE GOONIES than any of Craven's other pictures.
Rating: 7/10.
Movies like THE PEOPLE UNDER THE STAIRS:
FLOWERS IN THE ATTIC, THE CRAWLSPACE, DOGTOOTH, CELLAR DWELLER, CASTLE FREAK, PARENTS, THE GOONIES.
Trailer:
Read The Full Post HERE!
Rating: 7/10.
Movies like THE PEOPLE UNDER THE STAIRS:
FLOWERS IN THE ATTIC, THE CRAWLSPACE, DOGTOOTH, CELLAR DWELLER, CASTLE FREAK, PARENTS, THE GOONIES.
Trailer:
Read The Full Post HERE!
Poltergeist 3 (1988)
Carol Anne Freeling has been sent to live with her aunt and uncle in their upscale high-rise apartment, but the ghosts of the past refuse to release their grasp of her in the third and final installment of the POLTERGEIST series. Unlike the two previous films, which relied heavily on digital effects, POLTERGEIST 3 keeps everything in camera as Gary Sherman employs a number of effective optical illusions to shape his scares. The mirror motif that is used to create the two parallel dimensions is just as creepy as intended, and allows the evil doppelgangers the element of surprise. Tom Skerritt, Nancy Allen, and Lara Flynn Boyle join the cast as Carol Anne's adopted family, presenting a new dynamic to the family structure that is key in each of these films. There is a division and a disconnect between family members, which weakens their resolve when faced with their evil adversaries. Although no one will say it, Carol Anne is a burden, and there is almost a sense of relief when she disappears once more. It is the psychology behind the scares that strikes the hardest, a theme which reflects the dissolve of the nuclear family in America at the time. As for the plot, itself, we quickly fall back into a repetitive cycle, only many of the events seem odd or out of place since the spirits have no clearly-defined powers. Sadly, Heather O'Rourke died of a misdiagnosed disease months prior to release, which further complicated the marketing and editing of the final project. The film has been dedicated in her honor.
Rating: 7/10.
Trailer:
Read The Full Post HERE!
Rating: 7/10.
Trailer:
Read The Full Post HERE!
Thursday, May 24, 2012
Rabid (1977)
A motorcycle accident leaves Rose terribly disfigured, so she is given an experimental skin graft that restores her to her former beauty. The procedure has an unexpected side effect, however, as she is overcome with an insatiable need to feed on the blood of others through a strange new appendage that has grown out of her arm pit. Soon, all of Montreal becomes infected by the disease Rose leaves behind in her victims. David Cronenberg's sophomore Horror outing falls closely in line with his first feature, SHIVERS, both in theme and in structure, although the claustrophobic confines of the small apartment building have opened up to the whole of Montreal. Man's attempt to control nature through medical advancement unleashes unspeakable horrors once again, twisting the body into the weapon of our own destruction. The larger scale allows Cronenberg to touch on the same concerns of governmental inadequacy in times of crises that we have seen before in George Romero's NIGHT OF THE LIVING DEAD and THE CRAZIES. Here, vampirism is linked to venereal disease, as well, another growing concern that would dominate public interest in the early 80's with the AIDS epidemic. Former Playmate Marilyn Chambers is surprisingly good as Rose, a sexy seductress who easily lures countless victims into her web. While it may not be a work for which he is most recognized, RABID shows a continued development in David Cronenberg's particular style that would later recur in works like THE BROOD, SCANNERS, and VIDEODROME.
Rating: 7/10.
Movies like RABID:
SHIVERS, IT'S ALIVE, THE STEPFORD WIVES, THIRST, DR. BLOOD'S COFFIN.
Read The Full Post HERE!
Rating: 7/10.
Movies like RABID:
SHIVERS, IT'S ALIVE, THE STEPFORD WIVES, THIRST, DR. BLOOD'S COFFIN.
Read The Full Post HERE!
Tuesday, May 22, 2012
Mr. Vampire 2 (1986)
An archaeological dig in Southeast China uncovers an ancient den of entombed vampires, which the Professor and his bumbling assistants unthinkingly bring back to their workshop to study. Once the spell sheets have been removed from the corpses' foreheads, the vampires spring back to life to terrorize the town, and it is up to a Taoist priest to intervene using his magic powers! Director Ricky Lau unleashes this stand-up sequel to Hong Kong's popular MR. VAMPIRE, complete with an new set of hilarious gags and off-the-wall characters! The impeccable comic timing is carried out once more using carefully-planned fight choreography and physical humor that would make The Three Stooges proud. In its most brilliant moment, one of the two apprentices gets stuck in a pickle between two of the vampires with only one spell sheet left to protect him, so he must strategically move it back and forth against both villains to stop them in their tracks long enough for him to escape. Ricky Lau never repeats the same gag twice, making each new scene freshly entertaining. Many cast members return from the original in all-new roles, with Ching-Ying Lam playing another mystical incarnation of the One-Eyebrow Priest. MR. VAMPIRE fans cannot afford to miss this enjoyable follow-up!
Rating: 7/10.
Trailer:
Read The Full Post HERE!
Rating: 7/10.
Trailer:
Read The Full Post HERE!
Sunday, May 20, 2012
Poltergeist 2 (1986)
"They're back!" The Freeling Family is far from safe after escaping from their haunted home in Cuesta Verde, California... The dark entity that controls the other spirits has come looking for Carol Anne, who he believes is their gateway back to Earth. With the aid of an Indian spirit guide, the Freelings must band together once more to defeat the forces of evil and win back their family! If POLTERGEIST painted the picture of the perfect American family, POLTERGEIST 2: THE OTHER SIDE shows us what happens when that family is torn apart. With their hopes and dreams diminished, the Freelings are forced to move in to Grandma's house, and Steve must return to selling vacuum cleaners to make ends meet. The psychological damage and financial stresses from their ghostly encounter has left the family in ruin, which is just where evil has the advantage to strike when they are at their weakest. Despite their hardships, we find that the bonds of love cannot be broken, and the Freelings are able to overcome their greatest trials yet. POLTERGEIST 2 dives into the history of the Cuesta Verde estate, revealing that the ghosts that haunt the area were the followers of a religious fanatic that drove his congregation to a horrible death. Julian Beck makes his series debut as the Reverand Kane, a terrifying personage of evil incarnate. Craig T. Nelson and JoBeth Williams return along with Zelda Rubinstein, Oliver Robins, and Heather O'Rourke as well, and while their is a bit more overacting than before, it is great to see these familiar characters continue their battle, together. Nelson's first confrontation with Reverand Kane as Steve Freeling provides one of the most powerful moments in the entire series. The sequel is also much darker and more menacing in tone than its predecessor, with far more shocks and frights abound. As sequels go, THE OTHER SIDE does a great job building upon the original, while carefully monitoring the personal struggles of each of its characters to maximize the emotional impact of the film.
Rating: 8/10.
Trailer:
Read The Full Post HERE!
Rating: 8/10.
Trailer:
Read The Full Post HERE!
Saturday, May 19, 2012
Book Review: Psychos! Sickos! Sequels! (1998)
To many, the 1980's served as the the greatest era in Modern Horror filmmaking due to the recent advances in special effects and the sudden boom in the sheer number of films that were released within the decade. Writer John Stell is a product of the 80's, a film fan who could be caught in the theaters every weekend watching (and re-watching) the latest monster movies and suspense thrillers as a teen.
Stell has gathered together a collection of key film reviews spanning throughout the 1980's in a book entitled Psychos! Sickos! Sequels! Horror Films of the 1980's, a printed tribute to this pivitol period in Horror. Ironically, for one who speaks so highly of the decade, Stell leaves no room for confusion when it comes to his feelings towards the Slasher cycle that was popularized in the 80's. His distaste for exploitative gore films like FRIDAY THE 13TH and MANIAC are clearly made evident, while their importance within the genre is still equally recognized. Stell often mixes his subjective feelings and fond remembrances of each film into the reviews, but these are matched with an educated understanding of the genre, along with an objective and thoughtful analysis. Undisputed classics like A NIGHTMARE ON ELM STREET, ALIENS, THE THING, and FRIGHT NIGHT are covered in loving detail, however the most rewarding reviews are based on lesser known titles such as PIN, ALONE IN THE DARK, THE COMPANY OF WOLVES, MR. VAMPIRE, PAPERHOUSE, LADY IN WHITE, and the criminally-overlooked A CHINESE GHOST STORY. This is where Psychos! Sickos! Sequels! succeeds most, in bringing fresh new movies to audiences' attentions.
The author mentions that his goal would be met if one reader found one new film as a result of his writing, and this will surely be the case. Stell's style is entertaining and engaging, with enough personality to keep readers edging onward towards each new chapter. At 320 pages covering over forty films, Psychos! Sickos! Sequels! makes for a lengthy but worthwhile addition to any Horror fan's library.
Rating: 8/10.
Books like Psychos! Sickos! Sequels!:
Going to Pieces, Nightmare Movies, Fangoria's 101 Best Horror Movies You've Never Seen.
Read The Full Post HERE!
Stell has gathered together a collection of key film reviews spanning throughout the 1980's in a book entitled Psychos! Sickos! Sequels! Horror Films of the 1980's, a printed tribute to this pivitol period in Horror. Ironically, for one who speaks so highly of the decade, Stell leaves no room for confusion when it comes to his feelings towards the Slasher cycle that was popularized in the 80's. His distaste for exploitative gore films like FRIDAY THE 13TH and MANIAC are clearly made evident, while their importance within the genre is still equally recognized. Stell often mixes his subjective feelings and fond remembrances of each film into the reviews, but these are matched with an educated understanding of the genre, along with an objective and thoughtful analysis. Undisputed classics like A NIGHTMARE ON ELM STREET, ALIENS, THE THING, and FRIGHT NIGHT are covered in loving detail, however the most rewarding reviews are based on lesser known titles such as PIN, ALONE IN THE DARK, THE COMPANY OF WOLVES, MR. VAMPIRE, PAPERHOUSE, LADY IN WHITE, and the criminally-overlooked A CHINESE GHOST STORY. This is where Psychos! Sickos! Sequels! succeeds most, in bringing fresh new movies to audiences' attentions.
The author mentions that his goal would be met if one reader found one new film as a result of his writing, and this will surely be the case. Stell's style is entertaining and engaging, with enough personality to keep readers edging onward towards each new chapter. At 320 pages covering over forty films, Psychos! Sickos! Sequels! makes for a lengthy but worthwhile addition to any Horror fan's library.
Rating: 8/10.
Books like Psychos! Sickos! Sequels!:
Going to Pieces, Nightmare Movies, Fangoria's 101 Best Horror Movies You've Never Seen.
Read The Full Post HERE!
Poltergeist (1982)
"They're here!" Steve Freeling and his family move in to a beautiful new neighborhood, only to find that their home is infested with evil spirits in the 1980's Horror classic POLTERGEIST! POLTERGEIST presents an image of the ideal American family turned upside down by the supernatural forces at work within their home, but one who manages to find strength in one another in order to overcome all obstacles. The film is perfectly cast as such, with JoBeth Williams and Craig T. Nelson playing the loving, down-to-earth parents who live in a quiet California suburb with their three kids (and Golden Retriever, of course). We instantly relate to them because they are heartfelt and real, but also because they are imperfect just like the rest of us. These small town vibes can largely be attributed to the involvement of writer/producer Steven Spielberg, who has long been rumored to have taken over the director's chair while filming with TEXAS CHAIN SAW MASSACRE creator Tobe Hooper. Using state-of-the-art technology from Industrial Light and Magic, the spirits in POLTERGEIST were brought to life on screen unlike anything audiences had ever experienced in the past. The scares are softened by the film's light-hearted mood and Jerry Goldsmith's gentle score, making it enjoyable for all ages despite a few startling moments. Although her life was tragically cut short, POLTERGEIST will forever hold the legacy of Heather O'Rourke intact thanks to her endearing performance as Carol Anne Freeling, the family's youngest daughter. Carol Anne has since become one of the most recognizable characters within the genre, while POLTERGEIST is commonly cited as being one of the greatest Horror movies of all-time.
Rating: 10/10.
Movies like POLTERGEIST:
THE ENTITY, THE GATE, E.T., GREMLINS.
Trailer:
Read The Full Post HERE!
Rating: 10/10.
Movies like POLTERGEIST:
THE ENTITY, THE GATE, E.T., GREMLINS.
Trailer:
Read The Full Post HERE!
Booze, Blood, and GWAR at Zombie Prom!
New York City Zombie Prom
Featuring GWAR at Irving Plaza, NYC
Saturday, June 9, 2012 from 6:00 PM to 11:30 PM (ET)
Abracadabra NYC , Zombies Can't Love & Zombies Worldwide
Are proud to present the zombie event of the year!!
NEW YORK, NY - May 19, 2012 - This is a zombie event like no other!! Irving Plaza will be full of the undead!! Booze, Blood & GWAR!! DJ Angela Boatright and DJ Shanna will kick off this evening of the undead. There will be professional makeup artists from NYC's premiere Costume shop ABRACADABRA NYC. Take your official prom photo. Receive your official prom pin. The Zombie King and Zombie Queen of the prom will receive special prizes!
Tickets available at http://gwarzombieprom.eventbrite.com/
Charlie Adlard who is the penciler and inker of THE WALKING DEAD comic books has donated an original drawing of a full page from THE WALKING DEAD comic books! There will be a raffle and one lucky winner will walk away with a piece of "zombie history".
Proceeds from this raffle will go to The Smoot Family Fund.
There will be a "Pageant of the Undead" - Zombies don't do beauty pageants...they do gore pageants!
There will be a crowning of the King and Queen of the prom. Yes, there are prizes!
The grand finale is when the sickest band in metal history...Hark to the hideous majesty of your MASTERS, rulers of Earth, the MIGHTY GWAR will take the stage.
There will be drink specials all night!! There will be zombies all night!
Pass this Event page along...Tickets are limited and will sell out fast...stay tuned Zombies!
Abracadabra NYC will be offering 15% off on all merchandise and makeup to ticket holders and 25% off on all zombie costume rentals or zombification process. Non- ticket holders can still stop by the store and receive 10% off just by mentioning the event.
This is a 21+ event.
THIS ISN'T JUST ANOTHER ZOMBIE PROM! THIS IS THE ZOMBIE PROM TO RULE THEM ALL!! Read The Full Post HERE!
Catch 'The Road' In Theaters Beginning May 21st!
Yam Laranas' Supernatural Thriller
THE ROAD
Hits Theaters Nationwide May 21st
LOS ANGELES, CA - May 19, 2012 - Yam Laranas’ ground-breaking horror film will remain in theaters thanks to a successful opening in fifty theaters across the U.S. During the weekend and throughout the week beginning May 21st, THE ROAD will continue showing in seven North American markets, including Los Angeles. The first-ever Filipino film to receive a mainstream U.S. release, THE ROAD has received critical acclaim from prominent outlets including The New York Times, USA Today, and Village Voice.
“Conjuring a hushed, supernatural universe spanning two decades and three increasingly nerve-jangling chapters, this enormously assured movie sucks you in like quicksand.”
-Jeannette Catsoulis, NEW YORK TIMES
“Call it a haircut of Psycho with ectoplasmic additives, The Road still has a whispering menace and visual grandeur all its own.”
-Mark Holcomb, VILLAGE VOICE
THE ROAD’s holdover cities in the U.S. include:
Los Angeles, CA
Buena Park, CA
Emeryville, CA
San Jose, CA
Aiea, HI
Kapolei, HI
Las Vegas, NV
Elizabeth, NJ
Tempe, AZ
Dallas, TX
Read The Full Post HERE!
Friday, May 18, 2012
Super Mario Bros. (1993)
Millions of years ago, a meteor struck the Earth and created an alternate dimension where dinosaurs evolved into strange, humanoid hybrids at the same rate as the apes on Earth. When Princess Daisy from the dinosaur dimension is found living amongst the humans, the evil King Koopa sends his goons to kidnap her, and it is up to two plumbers from Brooklyn to travel through the dimensional warp in order to save her before Koopa can use her powers to reunite the two worlds! The misguided SUPER MARIO BROS. movie is considered by many to be the worst video game adaptation of all-time, and with due cause. Not only is it terribly miscast, but the story, characters, and settings bear little semblance to the original game. It is one thing to take creative liberties with a concept, but the results here are alienating to fans and do not create a unique enough world to entertain or captivate audiences on their own. Instead, it comes off as a confused, over-budgeted DEMOLITION MAN imitator.
Rating: 6/10.
Movies like SUPER MARIO BROS.:
TOTAL RECALL, DEMOLITION MAN, STREET FIGHTER.
Trailer:
Read The Full Post HERE!
Rating: 6/10.
Movies like SUPER MARIO BROS.:
TOTAL RECALL, DEMOLITION MAN, STREET FIGHTER.
Trailer:
Read The Full Post HERE!
Wednesday, May 16, 2012
Enter 'The Road' with Director Yam Laranas on ILHM!
I Like Horror Movies is proud to welcome acclaimed international film director Yam Laranas to the site this afternoon to speak with us about his chilling new supernatural thriller, THE ROAD, which is currently making its theatrical debut in theaters throughout the US!
YAM LARANAS: It's basically original but parts of it were based on a real crime in the Philippines in 1997. Two sisters were raped and killed.
ILHM: THE ROAD is equal parts shock and suspense. How did you go about balancing the two?
YL: I'm so glad you pointed that out because I really was focused on the story and characters and not on blood and gore. Balancing shock and suspense was pretty easy since the events in the story motivated the horror. They felt real.
ILHM: This is the first film in which you served as writer, director, cinematographer, and editor. Did this allow you to retain more control in bringing your original vision to life on screen?
YL: I was always my cinematographer in all the films I made. I really want to control the visuals and how it affects the audience in an emotional level. Being the co-writer, editor, allowed me to marry all elements easily. It enabled me to be aware of the tempo and mold the film to how it is right now.
ILHM: How was the cast selected for each of your four distinct groups of characters?
YL: GMA Films has a great pool of actors and I worked with them closely in the casting. We were very strict with how they register on camera and how they interpret each character assigned to them. We had auditions and it was a difficult process. But, talent shined!
ILHM: How did your style change for each new chapter in THE ROAD?
YL: The Road is generally a slow-burn type of film. But each chapter were distinct in the sense that one is highly supernatural, next is very tragic and brutal, and the last was very surreal. I wanted to make them all look real - very grounded so to speak. But generally, I wanted to see beautiful photography so that it somehow makes the audience unprepared to the horrors that were about to come.
ILHM: What did you learn in filming PATIENT X and THE ECHO that you were able to apply in THE ROAD?
YL: Do not ignore acting as an element that can make or break your film.
ILHM: Are the ghosts in the film residual imprints of the horrifying events from the past, sentient spirits that are not at rest, or a combination of the two?
YL: Ghosts begets ghosts. There are skeletons in the closet, but there are ghosts in the road.
ILHM: What attracts you to the Horror genre?
YL: I like the emotional impact of horror. It affects a viewer not just psychologically but physiologically too. Fear has a lasting impact on the brain.
ILHM: What is the current climate like for genre filmmakers in the Philippines?
YL: Genre is very much alive in the Philippines. We have an audience for horror. But, blood and gore is it something that some of us don't look forward to seeing.
ILHM: How are tales of the supernatural the same or different in the Philippines as compared to Western cultures?
YL: I believe it's pretty much the same. Vampires change names from culture to culture. Ghosts are very common everywhere. There are a ton of similarities and that fascinates me.
ILHM: Take us on the journey from completing work on THE ROAD to having it premiere as one of the first all-Filipino films to be released theatrically in the US?
YL: In started writing it in 2005 and was able to finish it around late 2010 with my co-writer Aloy Adlawan. We pitched it to GMA Films and they immediately liked it. With GMAs producing expertise, they shepherd the film to where it is right now. Our collaboration resulted to a Philippine cinema history-making event.
ILHM: With the impending success of THE ROAD on the world market, do you anticipate a increased growth in the Horror output from the Philippines?
YL: There are very good filmmakers in the Philippines. I hope they all get recognized too.
ILHM: What is the next project that you currently have lined up?
YL: I have a spec script that I'm shopping around in LA, one gig that we are trying to setup also in LA and one project lined up for GMA Films.
ILHM: Where can fans find out more about catching THE ROAD in a theater near them?
YL: Please check out www.nobodyleavestheroad.com for theater listings
We are also out in iTunes, Amazon, XBox, and many other streaming and on-demand platforms.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ILHM: Is THE ROAD based on a local legend, or is this a ghost story of your own design?YAM LARANAS: It's basically original but parts of it were based on a real crime in the Philippines in 1997. Two sisters were raped and killed.
ILHM: THE ROAD is equal parts shock and suspense. How did you go about balancing the two?
YL: I'm so glad you pointed that out because I really was focused on the story and characters and not on blood and gore. Balancing shock and suspense was pretty easy since the events in the story motivated the horror. They felt real.
ILHM: This is the first film in which you served as writer, director, cinematographer, and editor. Did this allow you to retain more control in bringing your original vision to life on screen?
YL: I was always my cinematographer in all the films I made. I really want to control the visuals and how it affects the audience in an emotional level. Being the co-writer, editor, allowed me to marry all elements easily. It enabled me to be aware of the tempo and mold the film to how it is right now.
ILHM: How was the cast selected for each of your four distinct groups of characters?
YL: GMA Films has a great pool of actors and I worked with them closely in the casting. We were very strict with how they register on camera and how they interpret each character assigned to them. We had auditions and it was a difficult process. But, talent shined!
ILHM: How did your style change for each new chapter in THE ROAD?
YL: The Road is generally a slow-burn type of film. But each chapter were distinct in the sense that one is highly supernatural, next is very tragic and brutal, and the last was very surreal. I wanted to make them all look real - very grounded so to speak. But generally, I wanted to see beautiful photography so that it somehow makes the audience unprepared to the horrors that were about to come.
ILHM: What did you learn in filming PATIENT X and THE ECHO that you were able to apply in THE ROAD?
YL: Do not ignore acting as an element that can make or break your film.
ILHM: Are the ghosts in the film residual imprints of the horrifying events from the past, sentient spirits that are not at rest, or a combination of the two?
YL: Ghosts begets ghosts. There are skeletons in the closet, but there are ghosts in the road.
ILHM: What attracts you to the Horror genre?
YL: I like the emotional impact of horror. It affects a viewer not just psychologically but physiologically too. Fear has a lasting impact on the brain.
ILHM: What is the current climate like for genre filmmakers in the Philippines?
YL: Genre is very much alive in the Philippines. We have an audience for horror. But, blood and gore is it something that some of us don't look forward to seeing.
ILHM: How are tales of the supernatural the same or different in the Philippines as compared to Western cultures?
YL: I believe it's pretty much the same. Vampires change names from culture to culture. Ghosts are very common everywhere. There are a ton of similarities and that fascinates me.
ILHM: Take us on the journey from completing work on THE ROAD to having it premiere as one of the first all-Filipino films to be released theatrically in the US?
YL: In started writing it in 2005 and was able to finish it around late 2010 with my co-writer Aloy Adlawan. We pitched it to GMA Films and they immediately liked it. With GMAs producing expertise, they shepherd the film to where it is right now. Our collaboration resulted to a Philippine cinema history-making event.
ILHM: With the impending success of THE ROAD on the world market, do you anticipate a increased growth in the Horror output from the Philippines?
YL: There are very good filmmakers in the Philippines. I hope they all get recognized too.
ILHM: What is the next project that you currently have lined up?
YL: I have a spec script that I'm shopping around in LA, one gig that we are trying to setup also in LA and one project lined up for GMA Films.
ILHM: Where can fans find out more about catching THE ROAD in a theater near them?
YL: Please check out www.nobodyleavestheroad.com for theater listings
We are also out in iTunes, Amazon, XBox, and many other streaming and on-demand platforms.
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A special thanks goes out again to Yam Laranas for stopping in to speak with us today about his latest feature! Be sure to visit the link above for local theater listings, and catch THE ROAD on-demand!
Read The Full Post HERE!
Tuesday, May 15, 2012
Taylor Lautner Tackles Parkour in 'Tracers'
TAYLOR LAUTNER TO STAR IN THE FAST-PACED
PARKOUR THRILLER
TRACERS
FilmNation Entertainment to Handle International Sales Starting at Cannes
LOS ANGELES, CA – May 15, 2012 – FilmNation Entertainment will introduce the action thriller TRACERS to international buyers at the Cannes Film Festival. From the producers of Twilight and Dear John, TRACERS will star Taylor Lautner (The Twilight Saga, Abduction) and will be directed by Daniel Benmayor (Bruc, the Manhunt). Marty Bowen and Wyck Godfrey of Temple Hill Entertainment will produce. WME will handle sales in the US.
New York City bicycle messenger, Cam (Lautner) is the hottest thing on two wheels, but is in debt to an organized crime gang. When he crashes his bike into a sexy stranger, Nikki, Cam is immediately seduced by her and the thrill of the world of parkour.
At Cannes, FilmNation Entertainment is also handling international sales on THE BLING RING from director Sofia Coppola. In addition, FilmNation has two in-competition titles: LAWLESS from director John Hillcoat starring Shia LaBeouf and Tom Hardy; and Jeff Nichols’ MUD which is also produced by FilmNation’s Aaron Ryder, starring Matthew McConaughey and Reese Witherspoon.
Read The Full Post HERE!
Ten Sundays Unveils New Horror Film!
Ten Sundays Productions is Proud to
A New Feature Horror Film
VEIL
LOS ANGELES, CA - May 15, 2012 - The film stars Joseph Durbin (Deadlands 2), Devon Marie Brookshire (Ninjas vs. Vampires), Josh Davidson (Ghosts Don’t Exist), Kendra North (Witch’s Brew), and newcomer Meghan Nelson.
The temptation to have a one night stand leads a man to a distant town and a woman with a dark agenda. When he doesn’t return, if falls upon his black sheep sister to uncover the truth about what happened.
The film is written & directed by Paul Busetti and produced by Busetti along with Chris Kiros (Zombthology) and Josh Davidson (Dead iSland). Executive Produced by Leo Curbelo and Elizabeth Katherine Gray.
Filming took place over the winter on location in Virginia & Maryland. Veil is currently in postproduction and is slated for a fall 2012 release.
http://www.tensundays.com/veil.html
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Veil/154047104689878 Read The Full Post HERE!
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