Wednesday, April 21, 2010
Michael Allen
The Devil's Gravestone is a picture that was completed by Roach Productions in late 2009. The film was shot in Dallas, Texas and Jay Roach has envisioned a series of films that take place in and around the fictional Roach City. This first feature follows vampire hunter Jaq, played by Elle LaMont, as she plays out the loss of her child through violence and contempt. A low budget feature, The Devil's Gravestone takes viewers into the dark alleyways of one character's conscious torment and the many settings of Roach City in under ninety-two minutes.
The film definitely has a bigger feeling to it, as several different character's are introduced during the show. In short, the film is about one mother's quest for vengeance. Her vampiric husband has killed her only son in a fit of hunger. Now, Jaq combs the streets at night looking for those with a taste for human flesh. Does she meet her son's killer?
Fans will have to wait until the film is released to find out and while this tease might frustrate the purpose is to get fans motivated to see this feature. Other positive qualities outside of the violent plot is the use of several sets to give Roach City a dark, foreboding feel. Thankfully, camera angles, positions and lens are changed often to give the movie an interesting visual landscape. As well, the first person narrative gives insight into the central character's motivations and past wrongs, slowly over time.
Every film requires a critique and some of the negatives of the film include amateur performances and some set designs that could have used some additinal dressing. Also, the graphic display of heavy drug use makes this film suitable for those eighteen and up, only. That aside, The Devil's Gravestone can be enjoyed by those looking for a unique story on vampirism, with the hero a heroine and the villains plentiful. Expect this one to come out later this year (2010), with more details sure to follow.
Directing techniques/coaching/camera techniques: 7 (differing angles = goodness).
Writing/story/characters: 6.5 (a second narration from the villain's POV would have been a good addition).
Action/interaction/story delivery: 7 (lots of conflict and the story is revealed slowly over time, which is a bonus).
Overall: 6.75 plunging stakes out of 10.
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Posted in: 2010,acting,directing,horror,movie poster,movie review,thriller,vampires,writing
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