Salvage and Disappointment: A Movie Review

Director: Lawrence Gough.

Writer: Lawrence Gough and Colin O'Donnell.

Salvage is a film from Lawrence Gough (The Chemist) that showed at several film festivals in 2009 including Edingburgh and Frightfest. This film also received funding from the UK Film Council and BBC Films in 2008 from amongst thousands of entries. Recently, Revolver Entertainment announced the release of the film in North America on DVD July 6th, but before you run off to purchase yourself a copy learn how pacing in even a small film can affect a viewer's enjoyment of horror cinema. As well, tension and suspense can be built with the subtle introduction of an antagonistic character rather than relying exclusively on characterizations and story-telling from these characters.

The film begins with character Jodie (Linzey Cocker) shuttling back between her divorced parents and finally coming to reside at the neighbours house after a sexually explicit scene sparks conflict. Suddenly, the entire SAS, or British Special Forces are moving through this once quiet street in search of either a terrorist, or genetically mutated soldier. Fans will not get a taste for this sadistic killer until the final few moments of the film.

The lack of conflict between this nemesis and the other characters is one of a few flaws in the film. This mutilated character is hinted at in the first scenes, when a more explicit introduction would have been warranted, and he is also only shown in the final three to four minutes of the film. Most of the conflict in the story comes from the characters interacting rather than any thrilling battle between the SAS and the unknown assailant.

Another let down is in the hook of the film. After watching the film twice, a viewer will come to realize that descriptions of a cargo container washing up on the shore are not enough. A couple frames could have been dedicated to showing the creature unleashing mayhem on the beach instead of using character's storytelling which describes the introduction of this frightening entity to partial satisfaction. Director Gough explains in an interview with the horror news site Dread Central that the budget did not allow for the an elaborate initial hook: "but then, at the same time there were scenes that we did do, but not in the way that we wanted to do them" (Dread). This quote is in reference to the creature's early introduction and first few frames despite challenges do not satisfactorily draw the viewer in.

The film gets many elements right like the development of multi-faceted characters and some tension is realized with the use of darkness with the SAS searching for an unseen force. Yet, the film does not feel like the writing is building the picture towards a climax. Unconventional filming styles are welcomed when they work; however, the slow burn of the film does not reward the audience with a thrilling showdown between characters. Salvage simply requires patience and then more patience with little to no payoff. The film honestly has one or two scenes that are out of the ordinary and the rest could be taken from your own life or from a loved ones. One of the purposes of a film to entertain and sometimes watching real life is dramatic, but not fully entertaining. The film review site Brutal Shell says of the film's realism: "this heightened sense of realism and plausibility is a big part of what sets Salvage apart." Yet, realism is a foundation that writing can use to develop something extraordinary. Unfortunately, Salvage is not up to this challenge.

The reviews for Salvage thus far are a mixed lot from this reviewer's investigations. Much like other reviewers who have seen the film, 28DLA feels that Salvage is ho-hum rather than breath-taking, or even brilliant. This is Lawrence Gough's directorial debut and his learning on set is manifested in a slowly paced, almost tedios film that could have added more intensity with a little more intelligence.

Subject material/plot/treatment: 7 (the film has an interesting premise, but the plot is not explored visually quite enough).
Setting/realism/authenticity: 5.5 (far too much time is spent in one claustrophobic set, more action scenes outdoors required).
Directing/staging/style: 5.5 (watching the SAS running around repeatedly gets a little tiring after awhile, intro' a hint of the creature here and there).

Overall: 6 out of 10 (unrealized expectations out of 10).

Have a read of some of the hurdles that Lawrence Gough encountered while bringing Salvage to life (many related to budget):

Salvage Interview with Director Lawrence Gough at Dread

A Salvage review at Brutal Shell:

Salvage Review at Brutal Shell

A Bloody Disgusting review of the film courtesy of Ryan Daley:

Salvage Review at Bloody Disgusting

More details on the film at the film

Salvage Homepage

*The use of an Amazon purchase link here is not an endorsement of the film:



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Posted in: 2010,creature,horror,independent,movie review,salvage,scotland,terror,thriller