If there is
one thing to be learned from the happenings in independent film over the last
few years, it is that Henrique Couto is a rising star. Couto is a master story teller and visionary
director. He knows what he wants and how
to get it when filming. His most recent
film, Haunted House on Sorority Row,
was his most collaborative to date when it comes to bringing in other
professionals to create his art.
Obviously, this collaborative nature of the film worked out for
Couto. Not only is his upcoming project,
Scarewaves, an even greater example
of Couto's new level of collaboration, but Haunted
House on Sorority Row was a standout film by an already accomplished
film-maker.
In just the
opening three minutes of the film, we get a glimpse at the setting for the
movie, the haunted house. We are shown
clearly how isolated it is and how menacing it can look in the darkness. The setting could be a character on its own,
it is such an effective part of the mood of the movie. We also get a glimpse of what is in store for
us in terms of the make-up effects that will be on display throughout the film. Erica Blackstock, who had previously worked
with Couto on Babysitter Massacre,
and Geoff Turner, who previously worked with Couto on Faces of Schlock, are at the top of their game with the amazing
make-up and special effects during the film.
Their work here proves that it is not the size of the budget you have available,
but what you make of it. Their art
shines through as an example of the high caliber talent that Couto brings in to
his projects. The make-up is truly scary
and the special effects are simple yet powerful. I particularly liked the bleeding wall socket
and the bleeding mirror effects, the latter of which actually perfected one of
my favorite performances in the movie.
The simple, yet scary effects provided by Blackstock and Turner allow
Joni Durian to give her performance its all while adding to the scene instead
of detracting from it with over-the-top and unbelievable effects.
Each of the
talented actors brings their best to the screen for this film. A few of the performances are even more
impressive if you have seen other work by the cast. The movie helps several of them really
portray the range of acting of which they are capable, even within the same
genre. The two standout performances
among all of the others are that of Joni Durian and Erin Ryan. Joni's character is probably the farthest from
anything she has done previously. She
goes from playing a timid, insecure individual to a take charge, determined, no
nonsense lead. Erin Ryan's fragile and
mousy performance is easy to get lost in and forget the strong characters she
has played previously. In particular,
Erin's scene in the basement may be the best performance I have seen her give
and anyone regular reader of The Rage
Circus knows what a huge fan of hers I am.
Eric Widing sets a whole new standard of what it means to be a douche
bag on screen. Even the moments that
seem a little over-acted make sense and fit once the story starts to progress.
The
combination of Henrique Couto's directing and John Oak Dalton's acting create a
story in which you can really find yourself getting lost. Dalton's writing shines as the dialogue comes
across natural and drives the plot. The
writing has the perfect mix of scares and laughs that create a rollercoaster of
suspense and keeps the audience on the edge of their seat. Strange occurrences begin to pile up at a
great pace, maintaining the viewer's interest without giving too much too
early. As with any good haunted house
movie, once darkness falls, the house seems to become a character of itself. The darkness hides the promise of horror
around every corner as the tension begins to build. Couto utilizes flashes and cutaways expertly
to further keep the audience on edge and give the film a bit of a jump
factor. The final piece to pull it all
together is the music. Simply put, the
music is creepy as hell and plays on the viewers emotions perfectly in sync
with each other element of the film until the very end when the simple, but
haunting melody from the music box closes the film.
When all is
said and done, Haunted House on Sorority
Row may just stand as Henrique Couto's current masterpiece. Even if he is not getting the budgets and the
wide distribution he deserves, Couto clearly proves with this film that he is a
professional director. He has
masterfully brought together all of the elements of a great horror movie while
keeping it all seem fresh and interesting.
I know that this reviewer, and many others fans out there, cannot wait
to see what Henrique Couto has in store for us next!
So, what is The Rage Circus breakdown?
Acting – 5/5
Story
- 5/5
Effects - 5/5
Camera Work/Production Skill - 5/5
Overall Entertainment Value – 5/5
Total Score – 5/5 – You can't argue
with a perfect 5! Go experience the
horror that is Haunted House on Sorority
Row!
You can get your copy of Haunted House on Sorority Row at Amazon
today:
You can also get other great Henrique Couto movies and merchandise at
his Storenvy Shop: http://hen.storenvy.com/
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