 Heretic Films // Buy from Amazon.comA 90-minute digital feature shot entirely without sets on a green screen stage. Every shot contains a digitally manipulated image. Imagine the Earth is left inhabitable and the last of world's population has moved to huge pods in outer space. Your only reality is virtual imaging. Soon grass, water, a blue sky, even a bird, become legend to those born into this new world. The Board of the Directors of the Edward's Corporation, the leading manufacturer of androids, is facing a stagnant market performance. So In response, they elect to reinvigorate the company by genetically replicating their dead, genuine founder, Able Edwards, whose body is cryongenically frozen on Earth. The clone's purpose is to blaze the trail to new markets, broadening their manufacturing base and increasing corporate earnings potential - by recreating - REALITY. But the question is: will the clone be 'able' to be Able Edwards as he once was? And if so, will the reincarnation of this media tycoon repeat the huge success he once knew on Earth? Incredible - I had long thought that "Sky Captain & The World of Tomorrow" was the first film to be shot entirely against a green screen, but as it turns out, a little indie flick that could beat that film to the punch -- "Able Edwards" was not only shot entirely against a green screen, but was shot on DV as well, making this film the potential wet dream that every single would-be Rodriguez with a videocamera wishes they could be. Far more than just your typical zombies/stoners/talkie indie flick that we're used to, "Able Edwards" manages to craft an engaging, intelligent and interesting story that mashes up "Citizen Kane" with the lore of Walt Disney and uses desktop computing to bring it all to life. Although (some of) the acting is what you'd expect with no budget to speak of, the care and detail that was pored into this production is evident throughout. Take a look at the making-of featurettes to see how they worked their green screen magic and then you'll gain an even deeper appreciation for this very, very original bit of filmmaking. I really enjoyed it - it's not only one of the best indie flicks I've ever seen, it's also a helluva good movie on its own - check it out, you won't be disappointed. Video Presented in a non-anamorphic widescreen transfer, the film looks pretty good for a shot-on-DV opus that has a special effect in literally every single shot. Audio Dolby 2.0 stereo mix delivers a booming, rich aural experience. Extras Closing Thoughts Ambitious, original bit of independent filmmaking + some educational extras = fascinating viewing! Labels: review |
