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So, email your reviews and I will post them!
“Extensions II: Victory (2020 Version)”
Although this was radically cut and re-imagined this 2020 version of the film still holds true to the original concept of being an abstract, disjointed and disturbing film. That finalé will always hail as one of the grimest ever filmed, thanks to my 1973 Ford Econoline (which provided me a little over three months of daily nightmares in 1986/7). With all that was going on in the film, including the very creative reworkings, the film became, oddly enough, more lucid. I only wish the audio could’ve been preserved a little bit better… ah VHS …
Why it should win The Haverhast:
The concept of it’s re-imaging combined with the “Conversation at the Aloha”.
“The First Tasting”
The third installment in the “Next Nightmare“ series, moreover a “Gourmand Society Story“, offers us a taste into being creative with the technology at hand during this strange time we share. Some audio glitches and some clear mess ups from the director made it a very exciting piece to cobble together. Mercifully the brilliant performances from Mr Y, Beachmont Frank, and Visitor Blim catapulted this zoom Theater into the oft sought domain of horror art.
Why it should win The Haverhast:
As ever, the script of VH is always unparalleled.
“Sea People’s”
The return of Willhelm Benkerstein! One the most beautiful films of the evening. Exquisite film making.
And, like his other works, we are left with more questions than answers.
Intensely vague to the point of …?
Why it should win The Haverhast:
Benkerstein’s acting was a tour de force!
“2020” and “girl with the most cake” by Cherry Marashino
Sadly, the filmmaker had to leave early at the world premiere so we did not get to this part of the program live. But, both these short visual delights are well worth the watch.
Why it should win The Haverhast:
Seeing that cake get destroyed!
“Sleep Demon” and “On the Transmigration of Marjorie Nolan”
These two shorts from Reek Crudely were both stunning in their look and harrowing in their message.
Why it should win The Haverhast:
Their brevity!
“The Will”
by Reek Crudely. Again Reek wreaks havoc, but on a deep, dark, sophisticated and, I dare say, spiritual level. By far the most serious and somber film of the evening. The cast delivered, although firewater was clearly on hand, extremely sober characters of a most mature gravity. Extremely subtle soundtrack juxtaposed with silence added further tension to this film. Seeing the Professor take a turn at some acting only increased the stature of the solid work.
Why it should win The Haverhast:
The scale of profundity being reached for, advanced by the gravitas of the acting, makes this a winner.
“The Tasting”
Yet another installment of the “Next Nightmare” series and another Gourmand Society story. This one was actually created first as part of a one time trilogy aspiration. I think the two offerings worked quite well as they were and sufficiently. This one did feature a bit of a twist that left us all scared as hell. This one was filmed right around the time of the summer solstice and we were Still deep in the first part of the pandemic and lockdown was a reality. This and “The First Tasting” featured the music by The Professor – stunning.
Why it should win The Haverhast:
The make up on Count Vræhalyse.
“When the Alarm Goes Off” by Frank Mulone
This film gives Wilhelm Benkerstein a run for the money in terms of how good it looked. Beachmont Frank did a tremendous job with this one, I think it’s my favorite film of his to date. More over, that sequence from Frank LeClaire was as entertaining as Tomothy’s experience of it.
Why it should win The Haverhast:
The puppet was cool, but Tomothy’s painting was … a masterpiece!
“The Realization”
Why it should win The Haverhast:
Seeing the labyrynth in action!
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