~~~
From my point of view: How each film is a winner:
(OFFICIAL ANNOUNCEMENT PENDING)
“The Ascension”
The first actual product of horror powerhouse DJ M & the F Jam, has proven to be the most polarizing film to date. For the most part it was either a “1” or a “10” on the scale. Its brevity and clean-yet-haunting message wins the day.
“Rain Falls on Our Shadow” H3 winner Persephone Haverhast delivered this 11th hour gem. An early version of an obscure Sabitathica track is always a winner in my book. The tune, coupled with stunning visions of flamenco were all I needed to see to put this on top!
” … and I never saw Her again” by H2 winner Vlindinhauer Haverhast was perhaps the most beautiful film of the evening. Most associate the track with the end credits to “Extensions III: The Revenge”, but it is, in fact, from a forsaken melancholic rock concept album penned in the Summer of 1985. Here we see the “Poet” mouthing various things, are they the lost libretto? Only time will tell. Note of interest, we only see “Her” for an instance at the beginning. Later, what is it? In his Lamentations the “Poet” is left in a damnable situation with “Horror” and “The Mistress of the Night Terrors”? Layers upon layers of complexity, as we see the “Poet” mouth: ” … and I Never saw Her again”. A heart wrenching winner.
“Steven” by Vlindinhauer Haverhast (H2), according to Tech Support, this was the surprise breakaway sleeper hit of the evening. Boasting scenes filmed in Manhattan, a remarkable score, and a tour de force performance by Visitor Blim in the title role: this film is pure Haverhast gold. More psychological than most perceive, the director pits the audient against Ghostly himself. What are you asking?
“Banned ’74” by Herr O. What a revelation! An enthralling story that has us begging for more. No other film did that. Winner. It must be noted, Herr O was on the verge of being banned himself after last year’s disastrous pirate thing. It’s fantastic that he’s not just in the game: but a contender.
“The Accolade” from H5 winner DTY. The absolute crowd pleaser of the night! Certainly the “most polished” as they say. While some struggle with practical effects, DTY has led the charge, as ever, in the new technologies. Not only a spiritual sequel to last year’s winner, thus film blazed the trail with what happens when in possession …. of the Haverhast (or was it???!). Again, DTY pulled the carpet from under our feet and we were all back in Hell. Comedic? No, not one shred of comedy in this. The super-stoked recipient opens the wrong box at the wrong time (something we can all relate to) and BAM: damnation. It wins on all accounts, but what sets it head and shoulders above the lot is the original rock song about the joy of winning the Haverhast. Sweet joy indeed.
“Welcome to the Club” the first collaboration ‘tween VH (H2) and DJ M & the F Jam. Just to clarify, DJ M and the F Jam is a union of DJM and BMF. And we all know who VH is. Although the thrust of the work was conceived by the duo, it’s elaboration and production were VH. It’s obvious. That said, the nightmare sequence was clearly an F Jam work. But so harmoniously fused, few knew. No film has reached such collaborative and casting heights since the heyday of “Extensions VI: The Wake” (which also featured Joe Moscaritolo), making this the winner on that alone. Tech Support raises an interesting point about why would we care about some chaps first club sandwich? The mystery. The unraveling mystery that the audient is participating in. What’s with these “testimonials”? What does the 3rd date mean? Born, died, “initiated”? Does initiation into this club guarantee long life (Tab the Minotaur as example)? Between the supreme acting, on point score, and brilliant cinematography, we have a winner. Now I know there’s a minority, or, I daresay, a majority, that thought the final sequence “went to far”, and they are not wrong. But, c’mon!
For that alone, this wins.
(OFFICIAL ANNOUNCEMENT PENDING)
~~~~
May 14th 