Cedrik - a short, animated film

Another short film for your enjoyment - there are some excellent ones out there, so if you're enjoying them keep popping back because I'll post the best I find.

The Grim Reaper leaves his nephew. Cedrik, in charge when he takes a week off. However, on his return he discovers Cedrik has made one or two 'executive' decisions.

Directed by Jens Kaemper, this beautifully animated short film is very funny - watch out for the pop culture references! In German with English subtitles.

Is Derren Brown's Apocalypse a Fake?

There's a bit of a controversy about Derren Brown's latest programme, Apocalypse, in which Derren convinces an unsuspecting member of the public that the earth has been hit by a massive meteor and overrun by zombies. The problem is, the 'victim' has been identified as someone with a background in acting, leading to accusations that the whole thing may be fake. The rumours are swirling around Twitter, and the Daily Mail has also picked up the story.

I haven't seen the programme - planned to watch it this evening - but one thought did occur to me: maybe the guy is an actor, and that is the whole point. Perhaps the joke is on us, the audience, and is a reminder about not believing everything we see on television? Or maybe not.

I'll update this post when I've seen the episode, but in the meantime if you have any thoughts on the matter do share them in the comments!

Updated to add: I've now seen the first episode, and yes, I can see why some people are dubious about it. Not only for the reason mentioned above, but some other things don't make sense. For example: when Steve wakes up after apparently being unconscious for two weeks, at no point does he seem to wonder why his hair and beard* haven't grown. Also, why, despite a long period without food or water, he isn't the tiniest bit dehydrated. Those things would occur to me, maybe I'm odd. And finally: is it really possible to hypnotise someone into such a deep trance that they can walk some distance, get undressed, and put on a pair of pyjamas without knowing they're doing it? Hmm.

* OK, I wouldn't wonder about the beard bit, I've never got the hang of beard growth.

Another Spooky Short Horror

It's nearly Halloween, and what could be better than a good, old-fashioned spooky-house story? In this film, a woman alone in an isolated farmhouse confides to a friend that she is being plagued by disturbing phone calls every morning at 3am - events then take an even more sinister turn.

3:00 AM from Stephen Volk (the writer of Ghost Watch and co-writer of The Guardian)  is extremely creepy, especially the use of sound which reminded me of the black and white classic, The Haunting. So close the door, turn off the lights and enjoy - and that sudden thud from upstairs? Why, I'm sure it's only the pipes, what else could it be?

Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter

This post should really be entitled 'A Film I Did Not Except to Enjoy'. Abraham Lincoln Vampire Hunter is as silly as the title suggests. The basic premise of the story is that not only was Mr Lincoln one of the most famous American presidents, champion of the abolition of slavery, and the tallest US president; he was also involved in a lifelong battle against the forces of the undead. Yes, I know that sounds quite daft, and it is, but daft in a really good way.

If you are prepared to suspend belief and stick your tongue very firmly in your cheek, AB:VH is thoroughly enjoyable. The film is based on the novel by Seth Grahame-Smith (author of Pride and Prejudice and Zombies), who also wrote the screenplay. Despite the surreal storyline, it has a strong cast - most notably Benjamin Walker who makes a very convincing Lincoln, and Rufus Sewell as a thoroughly evil chief vampire - and never makes the mistake of taking itself too seriously. It's a non-stop roller-coaster of a movie; the action starts almost immediately and continues at a pace throughout. Oh, and not one of the vampires sparkles - I think that's always a plus point!

If you missed it in the cinemas it's now available on dvd, and it's well worth grabbing a copy if you're looking for something that is scary but fun for your Halloween entertainment.

Interesting Short Film

Just popping in to share this short film. Lovefield by Mathieu Ratthe is described as combining "elements of HORROR, SUSPENSE and DRAMA to create a story that takes the audience on a roller coaster ride of emotions." I'm not going to say any more, except that it's beautifully shot with a nice twist at the end.

And yes, I know it's been quite some time since I posted here - no idea why - I should drop by more often. Oh, and do something about the theme which looked great in 2008, but now looks as naff as neon-green comic sans font.

How little tricks heighten the tension

The video above shows one of the most frightening scenes in Stanley Kubrick's version of The Shining - although I think that accolade probably goes to the woman in the bath - to find out why it is so scary, read this fascinating post.

Well I'm happy ;-)

According to the Strange Culture blog, George Clooney has been picked to play The Lone Ranger opposite Johnny Depp as Tonto. Someone waft me with a damp newspaper please  . . .