Reel Horror

Horror asin: B00008RUY6

A Film By Dante Tomaselli

Let me start off by saying that Dante Tomaselli’s “Horror” is one of the most visually stunning films I have seen in a long time. Tomaselli sets up his nightmarish world perfectly with spectacular lighting and shot selection. Maybe I should give you a little overview of the film first….

“Horror” is actually two distinct horror stories merged into one very well made film. The first deals with a gang of teenage delinquents who escape a drug rehabilitation center after listening to an eccentric reverend spew promises of salvation. The reverend supplies the gang with hallucinogenic treats to keep them interested. Luck, the leader of the group, transports the gang to the reverend’s isolated house.

Upon arrival the gang runs headlong into our second story. The story of a young girl, Grace, who has been held against her will and enslaved by brainwashing and drug addiction. Her only source of comfort is her Grandfather, Reverend Salo, Sr. Hope soon turns to terror when she finds that her Grandfather has been communicating with her from the grave. Her Grandfather soon reveals the evil truth about Grace’s parents and their demonic ties.

While each story in and of itself is actually quite good, it does tend to get mildly confusing. The film jumps back and forth between past and present and between reality and nightmares. One minute Grace is talking to her dead Grandfather, the next she is fighting a horde of zombies. This would be my only critique of the film the jumping back and forth made the story hard to follow.

Lizzy Mahon, who has the very difficult job of portraying Grace, does an amazing job of portraying the anguish and grief that the main character goes through. Besides the outstanding film work (which I will get back too) she is the best part of the film. The rest of the cast with few exceptions is average in their ability. However, look for appearances by The Amazing Kreskin and Felissa Rose (Sleepaway Camp).

Tomaselli’s haunting vision is what makes this film so enjoyable. His use of shadows and color could very well rival Dario Argento. It’s like watching a living nightmare that you don’t want to wake up from. There were times where I stopped the movie just to re-watch a scene because I could not believe how stunning it was. The whole movie is filmed beautifully on Super. That is what truly says the most to me. If a director can engage me with his filming, I will be a fan for life.

I strongly recommend anyone who has any aspirations of making their own film to watch “Horror.” That way you can see how and independent film is supposed to be made.

For more information on this film go to http://www.horrorthemovie.com or http://www.elitedisc.com/