Death in Charge: A Film Review and Contest

Director: Devi Snively.

Writer: Devi Snively.

A Deviant Pictures Production "Death in Charge," is now making the festival circuit and is currently in Sydney, Australia at the "A Night of Horror International Film Festival" (March 23 to April 3). Highlighting the visual abilities of the camera this horror short utilizes colours and comedy to tell a breathtaking tale of death then life in fifteen minutes flat. Also, lo' and behold I have an extra copy of Snively's short film on hand; check out the contest details at the end of the review.

A babysitter loses her life while getting cozy with her boyfriend and Death (Marina Benedict) fills in. Single mom Sandy (Gillian Shure), who is unaware of the ghostly presence Death, allows the Grim Reaper to babysit her daughter, since the previous 'sitter broke her skull open. After agreeing hesitantly Death goes about the duties of cooking, entertaining and watching young girl Whitney (Kylie Chalfa). Listening mostly, Death teaches a few lessons about life, or death while Whitney threatens to kill her mom, gun in hand. A few fun times later mom comes in and slips on some Kraft Dinner, then pokes her eye out on a toy tank. Add a crying Whitney and one last guttural line from Death, cue credits.

The first film quality of "Death in Charge," that stands out is the beautiful photography. Shot in high definition the yellows, blues, oranges and others figure prominently despite being mostly in the background. Even exterior shots appear surreal as multiple colours blend into each other. The cinematography is absolutely brilliant.

This short horror film, running a mere fifteen minutes, manages to squeeze in many elements in the short run time. Written as a response to the rash of school shootings, especially in Columbine, throughout the United States Devi Snively approaches the concept of death in a light-hearted way while blatantly telling viewers to be thankful for the many gifts of life. Aside from the social message the shots of Death creeping about the house, in silhouette and a few well shot scenes, sometimes involving blood, shows a confidence, from Snively in her approach to directing.

Staying with a stable camera and shooting differing angles, at medium to long distances, "Death in Charge," displays an interesting visual layout. Switching from close-ups to medium shots then back and forth, the directing style of Snively captures all her shots with a flourish for character interactions. Only one continuity error, coming from the director's chair, creates mild confusion. How did Death save character Whitney from electrocution? This reviewer is not sure how Whitney survives after watching multiple times. Aside from one minor pause in execution "Death in Charge," delivers a lot to take in from one viewing.

An ambiguous quality to the short film "Death in Charge," is the setting. Beginning with '50s music, clothes, and a vehicle the film seems to be set in the mid 1900s. In the next scene, the music changes to '90s dance music, then recent hip-hop and the costumes seem appropriate for more recent times. What time period is "Death in Charge," taking place in? This is the only query from this viewer and the flaw is not distracting enough to take away from the enjoyment of the picture.

Ending on a positive note Snively manages a rare feat by blending comedy with horror; though more in the tone of satire, a few bloody shots mix up the tone of the picture. Thereby, "Death in Charge," manages to diversify the audience. Suitable for various age groups and social situations, including work "Death in Charge," gets a lot more right than the film gets wrong.

Currently available for viewing on the film festival circuit a full film schedule can be found from the "Death in Charge," website below. Also, I will mail off one copy of the "Death in Charge," DVD to a contest winner. The first five people to answer the question "what other film production has Devi Snively also been a part of?" correctly on this article, with an e-mail, will be entered in a draw. The winner, after I get your mailing address, will receive the "Death in Charge," DVD and promotional kit. So, good luck to contest entrants and support excellent independent film-making by seeing "Death in Charge," in theatres during North American play dates.

7 Scarred Skulls out of 10.

In response to the criticism of Death saving Whitney's life Devi Snively replies:

"Death saves Whitney by using the wooden end of her scythe to release her from the electric shock. We had originally shot this from another angle which would have made it clearer, but alas the performance of the electric shock was a bit too over-the-top and we felt too distracting to use."

And in response to the time period or genre for "Death in Charge," Devi Snively states:

"Also the anachronisms in decor/period were an homage to the original E.C. Horror comics. Stylistically, we tried to recreate the look and feel of the old comics while still maintaining a more updated contemporary feel with the story. An unusual choice perhaps, but I'm a bit of a mess of contradictions myself..."

An additional movie still from the film:


















Sources:

Death in Charge

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