Sunday, July 11, 2010
Michael Allen
Director/writer: Drew Cullingham.
Umbrage is a genre bender of a film shot in London, which was completed in 2010. The film might receive a release in the United Kingdom in 2010 with a forthcoming release in Australia later this year. North American rights have not been sold by the distributor, Left Film; yet the film is deserving of a release here as Umbrage, another word for a shadow or apparition, utilizes bits and pieces from vampire films, westerns, bible stories and even be Greek mythology. The director correctly notes that the film is "ambitious" (Quiet). However, the use of so many genres increases the likelihood that fans will like all, or at least some part of this vampire-styled flick.
The short version of the film's plot involves the traditional journey of a hero to the underworld like many before e.g. Achilles, Orpheus, Theseus and many more. Except this time the hero is a fanged cowboy with a bone to pick with hell's ruler and in this story, the devil has a more feminine, womanly physique.
Much respect must be given to Cullingham, a first time director, for taking on so many ancient myths and creating something unique, even comedic. The director says of his film: "[it is a] dark fairytale and certainly not just a horror" (Quiet). There is no way Umbrage could just be a horror film as six-shooters, cowboys, and potential gunfights make a play for screen time, early. As well, character Jacob, played by Doug Bradley (Hellraiser), looks like the foreteller Tiresias, from ancient Greek legend, after he is blinded by the biblical character Lilith (Natalie Celino). Tiresias is another common character in Greek mythology and often the purveyor of doom.
But with the introduction of so many myths the film can come across as slightly complex, or unfocused. As well as a western theme, the film involves a vampire storyline and a retelling of the ancient tale of Lilith. In this version Lilith runs hell as the soundtrack gently hints at "the devil is a woman in disguise." This reviewer has believed this interpretation since hearing Led Zeppelin's lyrics: "[the] soul of a woman was created below." However, regardless of the devil's identity, the use of several myths and genres might leave some wanting a little more western, or others wanting fewer biblical references. The film simply seems to have bitten off a little too much to chew with an indie film budget hampering some of the execution e.g. lighting.
Some saving graces are developed by the film's western influenced soundtrack and appropriate comedic lines like "what would Buffy do?" This line occurs during the climax as anti-hero Phelan attempts to dispatch Lilith with Adam's amputated rib. Even explaining the film seems overly ambitious, but Umbrage is, overall, entertaining.
North American fans might have to wait awhile until rights are secured for this territory before the film is released. In the meantime, horror or western or religious or mythology fans might want to check out the film's trailer below until more details on the film are released by Left Films or Cullingham himself.
Plot/story/logical development/unity/structure: 7 (the film does not feel like it is missing anything - however -1 for not connecting the mirror w/the shades strongly enough, -1 for not explaining the mirrors power, -1 for not fully explaining the incest aspect of the story).
Photography/lighting/camera techniques: 7 (-2 for overly dark sequences in the climactic fight, -1 for not attempting more challenging camera angles, despite a small budget).
Overall: 7 out of 10 (a really good start to a directing career).
The film's trailer can be seen here:
The Umbrage Homepage
More info' on the film at the Facebook fan site:
Umbrage on Facebook
Quiet Earth's Rebekah Smith reviews the film here:
Umbrage at Quiet Earth
Umbrage at Left Films (Sales):
Umbrage at Left Films
A previous post on Umbrage here on 28DLA:
Umbrage on 28DLA
Please support 28DLA's advertisers who in turn support the operation of this site:
Best Blu Ray Players
Advertise Here - Contact me Michael Allen at 28DLA
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Umbrage is a genre bender of a film shot in London, which was completed in 2010. The film might receive a release in the United Kingdom in 2010 with a forthcoming release in Australia later this year. North American rights have not been sold by the distributor, Left Film; yet the film is deserving of a release here as Umbrage, another word for a shadow or apparition, utilizes bits and pieces from vampire films, westerns, bible stories and even be Greek mythology. The director correctly notes that the film is "ambitious" (Quiet). However, the use of so many genres increases the likelihood that fans will like all, or at least some part of this vampire-styled flick.
The short version of the film's plot involves the traditional journey of a hero to the underworld like many before e.g. Achilles, Orpheus, Theseus and many more. Except this time the hero is a fanged cowboy with a bone to pick with hell's ruler and in this story, the devil has a more feminine, womanly physique.
Much respect must be given to Cullingham, a first time director, for taking on so many ancient myths and creating something unique, even comedic. The director says of his film: "[it is a] dark fairytale and certainly not just a horror" (Quiet). There is no way Umbrage could just be a horror film as six-shooters, cowboys, and potential gunfights make a play for screen time, early. As well, character Jacob, played by Doug Bradley (Hellraiser), looks like the foreteller Tiresias, from ancient Greek legend, after he is blinded by the biblical character Lilith (Natalie Celino). Tiresias is another common character in Greek mythology and often the purveyor of doom.
But with the introduction of so many myths the film can come across as slightly complex, or unfocused. As well as a western theme, the film involves a vampire storyline and a retelling of the ancient tale of Lilith. In this version Lilith runs hell as the soundtrack gently hints at "the devil is a woman in disguise." This reviewer has believed this interpretation since hearing Led Zeppelin's lyrics: "[the] soul of a woman was created below." However, regardless of the devil's identity, the use of several myths and genres might leave some wanting a little more western, or others wanting fewer biblical references. The film simply seems to have bitten off a little too much to chew with an indie film budget hampering some of the execution e.g. lighting.
Some saving graces are developed by the film's western influenced soundtrack and appropriate comedic lines like "what would Buffy do?" This line occurs during the climax as anti-hero Phelan attempts to dispatch Lilith with Adam's amputated rib. Even explaining the film seems overly ambitious, but Umbrage is, overall, entertaining.
North American fans might have to wait awhile until rights are secured for this territory before the film is released. In the meantime, horror or western or religious or mythology fans might want to check out the film's trailer below until more details on the film are released by Left Films or Cullingham himself.
Plot/story/logical development/unity/structure: 7 (the film does not feel like it is missing anything - however -1 for not connecting the mirror w/the shades strongly enough, -1 for not explaining the mirrors power, -1 for not fully explaining the incest aspect of the story).
Photography/lighting/camera techniques: 7 (-2 for overly dark sequences in the climactic fight, -1 for not attempting more challenging camera angles, despite a small budget).
Overall: 7 out of 10 (a really good start to a directing career).
The film's trailer can be seen here:
The Umbrage Homepage
More info' on the film at the Facebook fan site:
Umbrage on Facebook
Quiet Earth's Rebekah Smith reviews the film here:
Umbrage at Quiet Earth
Umbrage at Left Films (Sales):
Umbrage at Left Films
A previous post on Umbrage here on 28DLA:
Umbrage on 28DLA
Please support 28DLA's advertisers who in turn support the operation of this site:
Best Blu Ray Players
Advertise Here - Contact me Michael Allen at 28DLA
| | |
Stumble It!Subscribe to 28 Days Later: An Analysis by Email
Posted in: 2010,distribution,doug bradley,drew cullingham,greek,hell,horror,myth,natalie celino,plot,release date,thriller,umbrage,western,writing
4 comments:
>>>-1 for not fully explaining the incest aspect of the story.
What what what Excuse me??? What does this mean? I need a spoiler!
This might not be the definition of incest in some ppl's opinions, but a step-father manipulates and takes advantage of a much younger step-daughter. How long has this been going on? I do not know. How much is complicit? Again, I do not know.
There is a little more info' for you.
-Mike
Oh, well. do You not know when the film will be released on DVD?
No idea. Last I heard the film has not sold rights for either UK or N. America and that was 2 weeks ago. Keep your fingers crossed:) -Mike
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