Reviewed by Neon Maniac
DVD released by Black Cab Productions
The Mixers: 3 Short Films
MY SKIN!
Written and Directed by: Christopher Alan Broadstone
Starring: Tony Simmons, Lisa Montague, Rick Wildridge
Runtime: 13 minutes
Unrated
SCREAM FOR ME
Written and Directed by: Christopher Alan Broadstone
Starring: Tony Simmons, Gabriel Sigal, Lora Cunningham
Runtime: 22 minutes
Unrated
HUMAN NO MORE
Written and Directed by: Christopher Alan Broadstone
Starring: Tony Simmons
Runtime: 17 minutes
Unrated
Filling the Jigger:
This double feature disc is actually a triple feature; it now includes a bonus disc of "Human No More," along with the main features "My Skin!" and "Scream For Me."
Skin shows us Death getting his revenge against a murderer when he is forced to collect the soul of a woman killed before her time.
Scream is a truly disturbing tale of what happens when 2 psychotic men cross paths because of their desire for the same woman.
In Human, a private detective who lost his family to a killer finds himself caught between Heaven and Hell and gives up the one thing that matters.
The Clink of the Ice Cubes:
Using an ECM stereo soundtrack, the audio quality for these shorts is excellent. It is very clear, very loud, and no audio detail is lost. Broadstone effectively uses original music to enhance the mood of the shorts, something that can be hard to pull off. In Skin and Scream especially, the score conveys attitude and a sense of place.
Pouring Out the Shaker:
The DVDs are non-anamorphic, but otherwise the picture quality is fine. Somewhat grainy, it adds to the grittiness of these shorts.
Adding the Lime Wedge and Umbrella:
Trailers and photo galleries are included for both Skin and Scream. There is also a 7 minute blooper/gag reel for Scream. Human has no additional material, but since it is a bonus disc it could be considered an extra all on its own.
The First Sip:
Both Skin and Scream have won multiple awards at various film festivals across the country, and once you watch them you will understand why. Short films are an art form; you have a very small amount of time to tell a story that engages the audience. With these 3 films, Broadstone demonstrates over and over again that not only does he understand it, he is coming close to mastering it. It is obvious that a lot of effort and attention to detail is put into these shorts. The acting, sets, cinematography and production values are closer to a feature film than they are to the average independent short film.
Tony Simmons, the star of all 3 films, has a certain type of kinetic, intense, energy that few actors can muster. Simmons carries all of the films and you never see him blink. He is raw, he is subtle, he is over the top; he is whatever is required of him in the 3 very different characters he plays. Gabriel Sigal, Simmons' co-star in Scream is equally intense, and they play off each other very well.
Scream is easily the best of the 3. Intense, disturbing, and highly entertaining only begin to describe it. The main character, Madman, begs to be explored and expanded upon. You get the feeling that rape, murder and torture are a way of life for him, while at the same time he reminds you of your half crazy redneck cousin that drinks a bit to much at family gatherings and always has interesting stories to tell.
Skin and Human are more psychological and thought provoking. Both have a nice noir style and are carried by a demanding dialogue delivered realistically by Simmons.
These films are a pleasure and pain to watch, in a good way. These are a must see for fans of short films, horror, and independent cinema. Hopefully we will see more of the same coming from Broadstone and Black Cab Productions in the near future. Hopefully they will continue to star Simmons.
Paying the Tab:
Movies - 5/5
Audio - 4/5
Extras - 3/5
DVD - 4/5
(Neon's Movie Lounge contains a Zenith 42" Plasma EDTV, Oppo DV971H DVD player using a DVI connection, JVC 5.1 DD/DTS receiver and JBL Northridge E Series speakers.)
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