e37: The Critical Review Phase
Perspective the First: Vlindinhauer Haverhast
Extensions III: The Revenge (The 2021 edition)
Why it should win The Haverhast
This succinct, and I daresay, brilliant re-cut of this 1987 classic featured, perhaps the most violent and harrowing scene filmed to date. The intensity of the amputation scene still seems authentic, maniacal, and random … like the terrible moments in life. This film features the first of the “psychedelic” characters, the beloved “The Saint”. The film gives an early glimpse into the allures of a charismatic cult figure and the worrisome path ahead. Some fine live music, a charming music video and a powerful cameo from Bob Berry. But the edit work alone is worthy the trophy
Why is should not with The Haverhast
It is a retro film of the first generation and probably doesn’t make a lot of sense to the newer folks. Lots of “in gags” and what not. Although it does tackle some very disturbing and current issues, I’m not sure it makes a lot of sense.
The Final Conversation of Soames, Ford, and Barnabas
Why it should win The Haverhast
Here we see a meeting of The Conversation Club, three fellows who then proceed to experiment in conversation. The film gets surprisingly deep and powerful at various moments. All of the actors deliver some of the greatest lines of their acting career. However, as ever, Wilhelm shines in his underscored moments of realization. This film featured probably the most edit work of the evening and a very mesmerizing original score. Mostly provided by The Professor, the music helped build the suspense, wonder, and terror that unfolded. Special nod to “Jieff” for making his film debut as the seriously menacing servant. I am hard pressed to find a better film. This was near-perfect.
Why it should not win
Like many of the works, clearly more time. Would the lads have been better off knowing the script beforehand? Should I have followed through with making it the original overdub film design? It does take us on an inner journey of sorts, we are witness to creation …. but it may not be everyones cup of tea.
The Ritual of Faunus
Why it should win The Haverhast
The film, as we’ve come to expect from a Benkerstein work, had a great look and vibe. This is clearly Wilhelm’s most lucid work that I’ve seen to date. Very powerful performance from Frank Mulone and Wilhelm himself. Wilhelm’s therapist character was as engaging as eerie, with a well-percieved family history and legacy. Fantastic ending music. Extra credit of “The Ritual” interpretive dance flyer that was mysteriously left behind.
Why it should not win The Haverhast
The stock footage and historic photos, although utterly necessary, the film seem to lean on them a little much, and not being created by the filmmaker himself it takes away from something. I also wish the ending was just a little more articulate. I think we are led to believe that the treatment has worked and the patient is able to return to dancing and I understand the limitations of being able to stage some modern dance but… Maybe we should’ve seen the patient dance more? Or was it something else…?
The Pilgrimess
Why it should win The Haverhast
Chock full of local star power big names like Walter Sickert and ever tantalizing Mary Widow. This film was a harrowing rock video of sorts. Some stunning moments and beautiful images. Loved the costumes. I’d love to see more of the Witchfinder General genre.
Why it should not win The Haverhast
I know there must be some “Queens of the Stone Age“ fans out there but this is an obvious disqualification
The Lyman Abduction
Why it should win The Haverhast
A seemingly romantic getaway adventure of a happy couple experiencing something unexplainable – perhaps even extra terrestrial. The chemistry between Mary Widow and Derek is touching and grounded. You really care about these folks. A rarity on a night of Haverhast films. Some fantastic suspense and thrilling moments where we see glimpses into the incident. Top visual of the night is the “floating scene”. Certainly high marks for the ambition in trying to make something quite serious.
Why it should not win The Haverhast
I did have some issues with some of the sound, uneven and too soft, especially the final conversation. But my only real problemof film was James Taylor and the sesame kids. As charming as it was I do question it’s use and not coming up with something original. A few more passes in the edit and sound EQ and an equally charming, if not moreso, original tune at the end would have cemented this as an instant classic.
The Joke
Why it should win The Haverhast
The Return of Frank Squared. As ever, brilliant chemistry between the two Frank’s. Even though the actual “joke“ is rather disgusting it is tastefully expressed. At least as tastefully as possible. Grant the bystander and the rest of the gang really fleshed out the ultimate humiliating moment. Frank Mulone always delivers an excellent product like his other feature of the night, a near perfect representation of some of the ideals of this sort of filmmaking.
Why it should not win The Haverhast
Perhaps another session in the editing may have benefitted this powerful film. The “protagonist” seems a little redundant.
The Harrowing Haircut of Trenton Paddocks
Why it should win The Haverhast
The return of DJM and the F jam. Their last collaboration was of course “Welcome to the Club“. This visual delight was not only an acting tour de force, they delivered a lot of the goods that we have grown to expect and admire in an evening like this. We also get to see the prize trophy “the Haverhast”. Although collaborative, this really is the work of Triple Crown Winner Frank J Mulone. His simple approach keeps things on the up and up and he continues to deliver rewarding, shocking, and terrifying material.
Why it should not win The Haverhast
The danse scene should been louder.
RecaP
Why it should win The Haverhast
A delightful collection of moments throughout the year. The final moment with Robert and Other Derek is transformative and beautiful.
Why it should not win The Haverhast
The material with Robert is not allowed and this video will be ghosting soon.
From Mr Y
Extensions 3: The Revenge (2021 edition): An economical edit of the classic, portioned down for today’s time-constrained viewer. I missed one or two elements but that’s what the full version is for. The Crows sounds even more relevant for these times.
The Final Conversation Of Soames, Ford And Barnabas: Great camera work and editing. Intricately written dialogue, not sure I followed it all. Kill scene was tops and editing was well done.
The Ritual Of Faunus: My confusion of the plot might be due to the sound issues of the copy that I watched. Looked good though, particularly the moonlit scene
The Pilgrimess: An appreciated pithy and effective piece, a tale quickly and effectively told. Music sequence might’ve been a bit too long though.
The Lyman Abduction: A bit overly in my opinion, but it did fondly recall the too-oft overlooked ufo abduction genre that was popular eons ago. Enjoyed the levitation sequence.
The Joke: Although I steeled myself for the inevitable descent into depravity that F2 often traffics in, even I wasn’t properly prepared for what unfolded. Enjoyed the setup more than the “payoff”.
The Harrowing Haircut Of Trenton Paddocks: Felt like a proper modern horror vignette, excellent acting and characterizations all around.
Recap: A chronicle of GTs shared between DJM and his friends over the past year, coupled with some amazing footage of direct communication with the Master
The Haverhast: The Harrowing Haircut Of Trenton Paddocks
The Saint’s Choice: The Pilgrimess
Honourable mention: Mary Widow’s performance in The Pilgrimess
From Herr O
Extensions 3: The Revenge (2021 edition): Late 80s haircuts, the novelty of a friend owning a video camera, driving a hoopty, anti-fashion, entirely unaware of Boston accents- all of this – This I consider The final film of the original extensions set.
This brought back some misty memories, especially the Bob and DJM interview scene in the graveyard using a 50 foot mic cable. Huge technology at the time. The version of The Crows played in this film was also the final performance of the Armageddon band.
The Final Conversation Of Soames, Ford And Barnabas: Great title for the film. Brilliant acting, camera work and editing. Nice ending too. A great short film.
The Ritual Of Faunus: Some really great cinematography in this one and a pretty interesting back story. All the parts were there and a shocking ending.
The Pilgrimess: Mary Widow was the show stealer here and I really thought the costumes were great. The ODs piece was well written, and what brilliant acting. Nicely done.
The Lyman Abduction:
It’s very unusual to have a film of such tenderness in this lot, but OD pulled it off here.
The levitation scene had everyone talking and may have broken new ground.
The Joke:
The question going in , was of course, how far are they going to push the shit joke. ? Apparently right up to the edge. F2’s sympathetic housewife was brilliantly acted.
The Harrowing Haircut Of Trenton Paddocks: Another memorable character name and Great haircut footage. Almost brought me back to Barber shop from hell
Recap: Very great to see Robert Fripp react out about being filmed.
The Haverhast:
(drum roll please)
The Final Conversation Of Soames, Ford And Barnabas:
The Saint’s Choice:
The Pilgrimess
Honourable mention:
Extensions 3 for editing
From Other Derek
Extensions III: The Revenge
The gang is back from Extensions II, this time dealing with otherworldly specters, demented holy men, and Bob from the Donut Shop, who seemed like a really cool dude.
Gritty, twisted, and at times hilarious, I found this to be an interesting short film, especially knowing that it was made by a buncha goofy teenagers. Technically speaking, there were some neat tricks with the disappearing people, some wicked gore, and some pretty cool editing, especially in the basement music scene (I love hazy basement practice spaces), and in the intense murder scene.
There were also some funny jokes and adlibbed situations, like the saint hiding behind a tiny tree, the line about leaving the jacket on, the entire music video, replete with skipping and poopies, and the scene with “The Orb,” which predates the current Orb meme by a good 34 years.
The murder sequence was the most effective and harrowing of this filme, landing somewhere between the documentaryesque grit of Tobe Hooper’s Texas Chainsaw Massacre and the unhinged parodic ridiculousness of Tobe Hooper’s Texas Chainsaw Massacre 2.
“We don’t make change here.”
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The Final Conversation of Soames, Ford, and Barnabas
From the very opening shot of this film I knew I was in for a treat. But I was wrong. This was a full on dessert. I have no idea what the hell I ate, but it tasted good and had me in stitches.
There is a lot to say about this feature presentation by Vlindinhauer Haverhast– PHD programs will be scouring its frames for centuries to decode its inner mysteries. I’m sure there is a key to understanding it fully, but it’s not immediately forthcoming; not even the characters within are hep to what their conversation may be laying down.
That said, I thought that for the most part, the performances carried the gravitas necessary to tell such an odd tale. William’s understated Soames pops with inner fury at just the right moments, Frank’s Ford keeps the insanity to a simmer that boils over with subtle glee, and Joe’s performance as Barnabas takes the ante and ups it beyond sincere, beyond delirious, to a realm of composed chaos . All three are at their own edges, teetering on the bounds of explosions which, ultimately, don’t amass to much. All of that energy is sapped up by Jieff’s The Servant, who manages to maintain equanimity despite the terrible conversation. That is, until met by the ghostly Stephen Ghostly, whose presence can evoke fear in even the most stoic of murderous servants.
Technically, I thought that the music was pretty perfectly used throughout, especially at the end– colorful and unnerving. The cinematography was also colorful and unnerving– at times frantic and at times steady, which fit the characters and the situation. There were some really cool impromptu shots that we managed to get– thankfully the actors just did what they did and we had a camera rolling. I think there were a couple of not so well thought out camera choices which may have led to some coverage being lost on one actor or another, and may have made the job of the editor a little tricky, but all in all I’m personally pretty proud of what we were all able to achieve. A lot of the editing could still be tightened up — just simple things here and there to make the otherwise jittery cuts work more smoothly. Some of the editing choices were really utterly fantastic though, like overlaying the three conversationalists in the beginning, or whenever there is movement, like when Jieff’s The Servant enters. Plus little bits like the ordering scene and “The Hex” were funny and unexpected.
I think that’s what I like most about this film– and perhaps what most exemplifies the spirit of what it means to be a Haverhast winner– is the zeal with which it presents the unexpected in unexpected ways. A great many other films this evening were able to succeed in this aim, but none more than The Final Conversation of Soames, Ford, and Barnabas, which is my vote for this year’s Haverhast.
“Have either of you been to… Caliyentis?”
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The Ritual of Faunus
Wilhelm’s latest entry is perhaps his most streamlined to date, detailing the effects of returning to civilian life after being tested upon by the US Military. There were some well done aspects, particularly the cinematography and performances, and overall plan of where the film was going, but it did feel like there should have been more. I was left a little confused at the end– did Victor Vail gas bomb the dance hall? Was he made into some neo-manchurian candidate? The final sequence of the rock and roll music with the cool shots of Victor in the gas mask was really well done, and left me wanting more.
Frank’s role as Staff Sergeant Victor Vail is perhaps his most understated and emotionally complex character to date. His sad eyes seem to gleam with tears throughout much of the interview-type shots. It’s for Frank’s performance that I believe he should be awarded not just the Saint’s Choice, but also the Honorourable Mention & probably some sort of financial settlement for being waterboarded. That was the most ridiculous shit I’ve seen thus far in an Extensions Saturday, and we’ve had people eating shit and dicks getting bit off and closeups of prolapsed canine anuses. I was legitimately shocked. I’m pretty sure waterboarding’s a war crime. Props to Frank and Wilhelm for raising or lowering the bar, I guess.
“Interpretive ballet, mostly.”
The Pilgrimess
This short/music video began as a prompt by Mary Widow to create a cool video for her act, so technically not created solely for Extensions Saturday, but created with Extensions 37 in mind, as a planned aperitif to a feature presentation (which later became “The Lyman Abduction”).
There were a great many things I wish I had more control over, particularly the lighting and the camera’s focus, but the final film came out exciting and coherent– there was a lot of good material to pull from in the editing room. My personal favorite shots are of the Pilgrimess succumbing by the riverside, the Witchfinder being led to his death, and the shots of Widow-as-Hecate dancing thrice round the fire.
It was a joy to be able to work with actors since pandemic (this was shot outdoors in a few hours on a summer’s day). Each of them, including the child Wednesday, were professionals and enthusiastic co-creators. The featured players, Mary Widow and Eric the Witchfinder, gave perfect performances, the costumes were fantastic (thanks to Eric the Witchfinder), and the makeup on the evil Mr Howdy face came out looking genuinely scary (props to Widow for her doing her own makeup).
“Even the Lord in Heaven thought Lucifer beautiful up until the very moment he betrayed Him.”
The Lyman Abduction
Lot’s of films with “The…” in the title.
This was a fun project that Mary Widow and I spun up about 2 weeks before E37. We had a vague plan for the general events of the film and some vaguer ideas about how to execute them. We ended up doing everything on the fly at our friend’s parents’ lake house in Lyman, Maine, completely adlibbing everything- from the lighting to the camera movements, to the character interactions and individual actions. I think the film benefitted from this because it felt pretty real– where it needs more fine tuning is in the technical aspects: the edit, the camera focus, the lighting, the sound mixing.
I learned that iPhones are pretty reliable at collecting good sound, and maintaining decent focus, whereas my sister’s old Canon rebel camera, while able to get clean shots, really doesn’t do great with audio, or in any level of darkness (note the graininess). I learned that using a piano bench makes for a good levitation effect if you just put it on the bed, and makes planking for prolonged periods of time not too difficult (I’d used a smaller stool for a similar effect in last year’s “The Sleep Demon” which was more strenuous). I learned that a cheap rainbow colored light from amazon makes anything you shoot look really cool, but that purple and blue can really blow out the shot.
I ended up making a heck of a lot of sounds for the alien sound design– Chris Lynch supplied me with a roaring “Woomp” which I slowed down, and a chattering voice made up of some maligned politician’s garbling, which I slid in superlow in the mix. Then I took my own vocal performance as the alien in the doorway, and layered scratchy cello sounds which I created in my bedroom using a cello and a bow. The cello piece during the first search scene was also created by me in my bedroom with live instruments. I intended on recording a jaunty song that I wrote for the finale, but I had had Jellyman Kelly stuck in my head, and absolutely HAD to use it, especially given time constraints. I think all of us could honestly say that if we had more time, and maybe more hands in the editing room, all of our films could have come out a smidge more professional looking/sounding/feeling, but I’m pretty proud of all of the things we managed to complete for this year’s Extension Saturday. Well done everybody!
“I have an overwhelming desire to eat pancakes.”
The Joke
F2 has again raised the bar by bounding headfirst into those dark things we all think about– am I good enough? can I trust my partner? does my breath smell like shit? — with a flair for the uncanny and deranged. Frank’s performance as a paranoid lover is true to the form for what’s expected for Extension Saturdays– earnest yet self-aware, willing to go where others may not dare to tread. There’s anger and pain brought to ridiculous heights of self deprecation, and his character’s reluctant acceptance as he eats his own shit feels earned despite the film’s short runtime.
Frank’s performance as the female lead is equally unsettling– how can the audience NOT want to trust someone who seems so faithful and pure? The reveal that Frank IS laughing at Frank, hiding a melange of lovers all the while, was a neat twist. While I wish we got a little more out of Frank’s shit-eating lover, especially at the reveal that he was right in suspecting he was a joke, this well executed film has me pondering things that are uncomfortable to ponder, and that’s a good thing. With some tightening in the editing room to get to the punchlines a little more efficiently it would have felt right at home as the feature piece in an R-rated sketch show.
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The Harrowing Haircut of Trenton Paddocks
Simple and effective, DJM & the F Jam pulled a winner out of their back pockets with this funny short. DJM really shines here, harkening back to the maniacal and calculated performance of the Saint from 35 years ago as he drinks in public, raves mad in the sink, and jilts the bill. F Jam plays the straight man as he should be played, and the film generally works.
As can be said about most things from this evening’s films, some tightening in the editing room may make this more palatable for a wide audience, but I don’t think that’s necessary. It’s more important to see DJM and the F Jam in one of their natural environments– riffing and snipping and sipping on pouches of authentic oriental scorpion bowls.
“I want as little as possible on the top.”
RecaP 2020-2021
Thanks for documenting a lot of this, VH. This felt like more than just a sorbet. Some moments of hilariousness, and some moments of depth. I think we’re all going through something, and it’s good to be able to share ourselves with others.
“I wish that everyone knows that for themself.”
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– Other Derek
From Wilhelm Von Benkerstein
Extensions III
How naive I was to think that the massacre of Extension II would be the most grisly event of these folk from the long lost 80’s. Though we lost the Van, we gain the cut off arm of Extensions III. I fear what might come next. Another excellent chapter of ye past.
The Final Conversation of Soames, Ford, and Barnabus
Exemplifies the ability to do so much with very little. This film gave me an experience unknown to me prior: a complete dissociation with my own projected memory. Is the story unknowable? Are the tangents…pertinent? Exemplary camera / editing work. Jeff’s take on the butler is the stoic horror that underlines each turn in the Conversation. And the singing is just hilarious. Haverhast to thee.
The Ritual of Faunus
I enjoyed making this film and the FAUNUS Institute is something I was particularly intrigued by. Big thanks to Frank for letting me waterboard him. This is the second year I’ve been able to capture the Moon for Extensions Saturday. Another big thanks to the musicians for making Victor’s last dance so memorable.
The Pilgrimess
Great imagery and great music. The dance around the fire is many things, seductive, horrific, and mesmerizing. Kudos to all involved and the fantastic costumes.
The Lyman Abduction
A big swing from Other Derek that really counts for something. It was a formidable attempt at a more conventional horror when taken in context with the rest of the films. The sound issues were an unfortunate distraction, but only because of the high quality of acting / realism attempted. Saint’s Award to this work.
The Joke
A throwback to F2’d films of yore. Frightening 3D-like experience as the Protagonist’s gaze stares furious at the unseen audience who were (at the time) laughing hysterically in all the right places. An Honorable Mention indeed, because, ultimately he gave the audience just what they wanted: scatological humor, or in other words, Frank eating poop.
Harrowing Haircut of Trenton Paddocks
Yet another piece that seems uniquely fitted for Haverhast glory. I see this at only the first chapter of a haunted hairstylist, as those from the past visit to have their hair done.
Recap
Lovely way to end the evening. There’s something special about meeting your heroes and I was glad to see the Derek’s experience it.
From Visitor Blim:
Extensions 3: The Revenge (2021 edition): A brilliant piece of nostalgia from the late 1980s. Soundtrack is also first rate! Enjoyed hearing “the crows” again. Feels just as relevant as it was in 1987.
The Final Conversation of Soames, Ford and Barnabas:
Another welcome addition to the ever growing “horror-art” genre. Great camera work and editing. I thoroughly enjoyed the ending and the acting was superb.
The Ritual of Faunus:
Some really great cinematography and an interesting story. I loved the character acting especially the “therapist”. A great addition to the Wilhelm Benkerstein discography…
The Pilgrimess:
Well written and brilliantly acted. Nicely done. Perhaps the “music video” sequence could have been paired down a bit. Other than that, excellent production and an enjoyable film to watch.
The Lyman Abduction:
Why it should win an award: The levitation scene
Why it should Not win an award: Needed a bit more time in the editing room, and there were some audio issues.
The Joke:
Perhaps I have become so accustomed to the shock and awe quality of an F2 production that nothing much shocks me anymore. Brilliant acting throughout this piece. Maybe not F2’s best work, but highly enjoyable to watch.
The Harrowing Haircut of Trenton Paddocks:
This one felt like a return to a classic film making era. Very succinct and well executed. Reminded me a bit of the ‘Barber Shop from Hell’. Maybe it’s time for a “reboot” of the horror vignettes series?
RecaP: Who doesn’t like sorbet? I always try to leave room for dessert. It’s nice to revisit all the GT’s of the past 12 months, and a great way to end the evenings program.
The Haverhast:
The Final Conversation of Soames, Ford And Barnabas:
The Saint’s Choice:
The Ritual of Faunus
Honourable mention:
Mary Widow’s acting performance as well as costume design
From the Professor:
The Professor
Extensions III: The Revenge (2021 edit)
By my reckoning this was videotaped circa 1986. Old tropes die hard! Rycortian gets a mention in there somewhere. “The Saint” makes his first(?) appearance. The fascination with gore and the supernatural are prominent. The band rehearsal was great, The practical effects, excellent. It’s not Haverhast material, but it made for a terrific appetizer.
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The Final Conversation of Soames, Ford, and Barnabas
I admit I have no idea what these three members of The Conversation Club were prattling on about, but I admire the actors’ commitment to the material. On viewing a second time, it dawned on me that perhaps gathering for lively, and sometimes heated, banter was only a red herring—a pretense to get these three in one place so Mr. Ghostly could carry out his nefarious plan. One wonders. . .
An ambitious script, solid acting, great camerawork and editing, and very convincing practical effects all make for a meaty first course (pun intended). Once again, I was chuffed to be tapped by Derek to contribute a Carpenter-esque score of pulsating synths and ambient drones.
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The Ritual of Faunus
I really enjoyed this film. There are callbacks to A Clockwork Orange, The Manchurian Candidate, and other classics of the Horror/Thriller genre; yet it manages to be its own thing. The greats all borrow from their predecessors. No shame in that. Frank gives one of his most vulnerable performances as the traumatized soldier who has seen far too much. I’m pretty certain Bad Things happen after the credits roll. Not that there aren’t some pretty heinous acts being perpetrated along the way, all “in the name of Science”! Dosing an unsuspecting subject with ketamine, waterboarding, and animal(?) sacrifice are all pretty sketchy means of psychiatric treatment. And isn’t Faunus a bit too close to Faustus for comfort? The cinematography was something special. I especially loved the brilliant framing of the full moon between the animal horns. Bravo.
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The Pilgrimess
The look and feel of this film are so satisfying. It has that A24 Productions vibe. (If you don’t know their films Google them, you won’t be sorry.) It’s a shame it doesn’t have all that much to say. The costumes, sets, and acting all are top notch. The film has two distinct parts; the story of Mary Widow’s persecution for being an alleged witch and Mary’s celebratory and sensuous dance reveling in the demise of her executioners. I wish there was more storytelling. The dance sequence was mesmerizing, but went on too long for the purposes of this film. I’d love to see more of this type of period piece from OD in the future.
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The Lyman Abduction
Two films from OD! This one features some of the best acting of E37. Derek and Mary are stellar in this quasi-documentary format. It doesn’t feel scripted at all. It’s more improv at a high level. Sadly, there are several things that keep this film from entering the top tier. The search for Mary is overly long and too dark, sound levels and image quality vary greatly, and a James Taylor song(!) plays in the background of the final scene. On the plus side the creature is seen just briefly enough to be believable. Great practical effects; levitation, lighting, glimpses of alien “probes”? The breakfast scene is heartwarming and a lovely way to end the film. Again, great acting from this pair. Maybe next year?
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The Joke
Huh? This entry from F2 is puzzling. Why is he so agitated and paranoid right from jump street? Frank spirals into madness pretty quickly in this ode to coprophagia. After last year’s Triple Crown film “When the Alarm Goes Off” this was a major letdown. Poop.
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The Harrowing Haircut of Trenton Paddocks
DJM and F Jam doing what they do best; making good old-fashioned ghost stories. This film doesn’t take itself too seriously and that’s fine. It has the feel of a tale told ‘round a campfire late at night. The dance sequences were great fun. Special effects were used sparingly and effectively: The Haverhast materializes out of nowhere as does Mr. Paddocks. Solid acting and script.
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ReCap
Lots of GTs and RF! After so much time spent cooped up inside in 2020 it was delightful to see so many scenes of camaraderie shot outdoors. RF seems like a genteel intellectual and it was great to see OG Derek and OD interacting with a legendary musician. Best line; “I just need to know, before we go on, why do you call your band “The Three Dereks”, please?”
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The Haverhast: The Final Conversation of Soames, Ford, and Barnabas
The Saint’s Choice: The Ritual of Faunus
Honourable Mention: Mary Widow’s performances in two films
From Frank J Mulone
Extensions..
Extensions III the revenge:
The pacing and editing are a pleasant and riveting surprise, some of these older films can be hindered due to outdated technology, but this, THIS!! Thrives with its vhs film quality. This could be a favorite of mine of the original extensions films, hitting the notes I love of schlock horror with a sort of bizarre psychedelic feel, the music scenes were a blast and the amputation was inspiring, maybe we need more dismemberment in the future.
The Final Conversation of Soames, Ford, and Barnabas: a great piece that truly feels frightening at times, what are these characters talking about and the more they experiment in conversation the more sinister it sounds! The horrific end is wonderfully done with great use of gore and sound. A crowd favorite and a personal favorite there’s something quite entrancing about this film that will make it a classic. Also what was ghostly trying to do!!
The Ritual of Faunus:
Getting to see my performance and the high quality filming made me very excited, wilhelm did an amazing job as well as the psychiatrist and liked both characters and wish I could see them more developed. I will say the found footage as others have noted is definitely a hindrance, and the end leaves us at a point which only feels like the beginning. What’s next for the characters maybe more is explained maybe we never hear of them again…
The Pilgrimess:
The witchfinder was a great act, and the original opening was very powerful easily setting up to be something groundbreaking, but as stated in the past the use of non original music it becomes less of a submission and more of a music video for entertainment purposes only. Provocative and entertaining I can only wish the music was original.
The Lyman Abduction:
I must say I’m a sucker for classic film tropes and also a heartwarming conversations, the characters seem honest and caring. An envy I have of OD is his filming and story telling are a build of tension and character interaction. I felt this to be a very classic feeling horror movie that we have all seen and watched something of before. As stated people had issues of sound and lighting, though I agree it’s not enough to upset me in the least. Loved the levitation scene, as we all seem to be agreed on. but the real issue is the use of another non original song, and the slow pacing that doesn’t lead to much more after the first big shocker (pun intended) of the alien’s reveal scene.
The Joke:
When originally planning a film this year I had some ambitious ideas, none of which I’d be able to complete respectively with the current amount of commitments. But that being said, I think there was some amazing acting going on by Frank and I, also at this point I don’t use prop fecal matter and actually defected and ate it! If eating my own feces isn’t enough to win I don’t know what it is!! It’s like I’m some sort of…… JOKE!!!
The Harrowing Haircut of Trenton Paddocks:
As always I work better under pressure and this was a great example of that. Wanting to truly capture the feeling of extensions Saturday I needed to bring something that grounded me, this film was that. My favorite performance of the night, Derek brings the shear madness of paddocks. Trenton paddocks! I know more editing and sound issues could be added and fixed, but for the delivery of a truly horrific story I think it’s well illustrated.
RecaP:
As always I love the buffets of good time at the end of the night. Having a real celebrity is a nice touch as well. But I don’t think anything will be more compelling than the distraught man in renegades!! Also I must say the Heavenly shots of passing through the grapevine was extremely beautiful. Great music and great times throughout
The Haverhast: The Harrowing Haircut of Trenton Paddocks
The Saint’s Choice: The Final Conversation Of Soames, Ford And Barnabas
Honourable mention:
Derek as Trenton Paddocks!
From Jieff
Extensions 3: The Revenge (2021 edition): For this critic, entirely green to the Haverhast tradition, this fine film felt more like a documentary, a biopic of sorts, yes at times meandering, confused (or confusing), and randomly violent, but somehow good natured and sinister all at the same time. The Orb and the basement jam were my highlights
The Final Conversation Of Soames, Ford And Barnabas: I am going to go out on a limb and say the script was the best part of this one. (Not to take away from the acting, sound and editing) Upon repeated viewing it made less and less sense but somehow seemed more and morefamiliar, like I was viewing an old reoccurring dream. I am fully convinced right now that many of those lines have been stolen from my dreams. Particularly “I am the Villian!” And the discussion about spokes.
The Ritual Of Faunus: This was my overall favorite as far as acting and character development. (I really have some pathos for that poor soldier and well-meaning doctor. ) Which is also why I was disappointed it didn’t go on a just a little bit further. I thought the acting here was the best of the night.
The Pilgrimess: This was beautifully costumed, cast, acted and shot It left me hoping for one or more plot twists or perhaps a more gruesome punishment for the bad guy.
The Lyman Abduction: Being a fan of the alien thing, this actually had me the most terrified of the evening. I loved the alien shot. Really creepy. And I like how there was more than one bathroom, that was extra creepy. Some of the gooshy dialogue made me feel like I was watching my parent’s make out, which is creepy in a different way.
The Joke: As a whole this was amazing. This film caused the most internal distress of the night. I may get a divorce now. I may need analysis. I can’t unsee it. I loved the way one line becomes the whole thing, each time it’s delivered, it just cuts deeper. If there was a Freud Award, this wins hands down.
The Harrowing Haircut Of Trenton Paddocks: the best part of this was the genuine sloshing around of bagged alcohol. That was delightful. And the character of Trenton—awesome. I think Trenton should meet the soldier from Faunus.
Recap: Really cool to meet Fripp through the experience of the Dereks. That was totally worth the price of admission.
The Haverhast: The Final Conversation Of Soames, Ford And Barnabas
The Saint’s Choice: The Ritual of Faunus
Honourable mention: The Joke
Observations from Colin:
Extensions 3 — A classic masterpiece,with some great lines, like “why shouldn”t we believe him, we have nothing else to. believe in” & “there’s nothing to understand” & “I don’t know what you’re talking about, actually”. But, what really puts the thefilm over the top, are the live music performance, & the Berry ! The scene titles were A great touch, also
(Hopefully we’ll hear more from Colin)
Captain Cat:
May 14th 