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E39, in the books. Let’s take time and rewatch the films and then begin the review and analysis aspect on the road to The Haverhast!
Meanwhile, a few photographs:
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What a night!
The 2023 collection of films
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From Visitor Blim:
From Wilhelm Van Benkerstein:
EXHIBITION FILM PREVIEW
From Current Haverhast Champion:
The RECAP:
Who will take the next Haverhast???
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E39
18:00 : doors
18:30 : playlist begins
Current programme:
20:00: “Extensions V: the Truth 2023 directors cut”
21:00: “The Tin” new horror art by Vlindinhauer Haverhast
21:15: “Broadway Bound” – a documentary by DJM
21:30: “Historical Macabre: A Compendium of Folk Horror Tales”
A Mikroglyercin Film
Genre: Historical Horror
Runtime: approximately 25 minutes
Zombies of Coober Pedy”
22:00: “Feldgeist” pastoral horror by Wilhelm Van Benkerstein
22:30: “The deer island incident” by Reek Crudely (Documentary) & “Five Little Piggies” (a horrific short) by Reek crudely
23:00: “ReCap 2023” – this year featuring an intermission
Let’s hope we hear from Frank and Mr Y!
Catering by OLG
Ties recommended
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Taps the side of the machine …
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Is this thing on?
Been collecting dust.
But, Extensions Saturday is approaching.
Let’s get to work!
Some photographs to marvel at of some moments in the last six months or so:
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Summer
May 14th
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Always a day of reflection.
Especially, this year landing on Mother’s Day.
FB keeps churning up pics that eluded me before making the slideshow. Perhaps a new version is needed in a few months.
On this day in 2018, about 6 months before the first wave of shittyness began:
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Another late winter circle
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The first official circle of 2023 and the first official circle since March 2022.
The world remains a place to navigate somewhat complex schedules.
The team:
The music:
Pretty nice, right?
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Haverhast the 13th
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Honourable Mention:
Herr O for his score to “The Passage”
The Saint’s Choice:
“Livelong Day”
The Haverhast:
La Mer de Dieu
Afterthoughts
Another robust year of extreme entertainment. I do strangely like it when I don’t take the Haverhast. Was it sabotage? How could I have disqualified myself by not including the trophy?! In fact, my next feature must include it or it too will be DISQUALIFIED. I best get to it before I surrender the trophy to Reek aka OD.
Congratulations to the winners!
But everyone is a winner who is lucky enough to participate!
Now get to work for e39!
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A Pause
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Still awaiting a few more reviews. They may or may not come.
Haverhast announcement soon.
“All the positive observations are accurate, however, all the criticisms are wholly incorrect!”
– Vrang “the executioner” Indelquot (1651)
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Critical review
It’s time! In the days ahead, send me thy reviews and I’ll post them in order received.
The Host:
“Extensions IV: The Promise (edition 2022)”
Why it should win The Haverhast:
What a treat! Filmed in the Extensions hey day in 1988. Very little was done this year to make it more “watchable” – unlike the first three films. Real kudos to Mr Y who did the original editing, and vhs editing in those days was no quick fix. David was also a hero in that he rescued the tapes that Mr Tohosky was sitting on (for no known reason). Heck, without David’s bravery this would have been lost with so many treasures (eg: The Interview Process) as with Bob’s mind.
A journey rich in the tapestry of young men finding their voice – or lack thereof. Aspects of death, deep philosophy, murder, assassination, great live music, and an early prediction of a world governed by keyboards. Stand out performances by Prince Rytalion, Young David, the jogger, Bob Berry, and especially Robert Victor Tohosky.
Why it should not with The Haverhast:
It really is a monument of the past, and very little was done (or needed) to bring it into the 21st century.
“The Passage”
Why it should win The Haverhast:
My shortest and least wordy work in years, but also, I dare say, my most beautiful work. A cathartic visual poem of sorts as I help my mother’s journey along.
Fine performances by Other Derek and Mary Widow bring life to the trip as guided by the harrowing Vlindinhauer Haverhast.
Stunning visuals, great pace, crisp editing and the profound, stirring, and rockin score by Herr O. I asked for colours – he delivered!
Why it should not win The Haverhast:
Usually films from Vlindinhauer Haverhast are twice as long with tons more words. I know some filmgoers felt ripped off.
“Struggling Glutton”
Why it should win The Haverhast:
Frank was up against the ropes and on the verge of not having anything! But, he managed to eek this etúde of sorts. A well made recitation of a poem. As Powerful as profound, challenging the audience to question their pleasures and their understanding of the afterlife (one of the organic themes of the evening). I loved the line “ … the buffet that awaits”.
Also his post-nip wince was authentic.
Why it should not win The Haverhast:
Although succinctness and brevity should be rewarded, this was a bit of a “Hail Mary” to at least be a creator participant (which keeps a certain amount of status) in the society. Let’s hope Frank gets his act together!
“Mairzy Doats”
Why it should win The Haverhast:
This is probably the best thing ever presented on an extension Saturday. Profound, funny, beautiful, touching, great soundtrack, great choreography, and beautiful.
Also, in terms of unintentional theme throughout the evening, turns out that may be the prequel to my film “The Passage“.
Lots to think about.
Why it should not win The Haverhast:
Although written by other Derek and Mary Widow, it was directed by someone in a different sphere of things. (And obviously some kind of budget).
But, in the sphere of our things, I will consider this a prequel to “ The Passage”
“Journey to the Time Before Timeland”
Why it should win The Haverhast:
A most welcome sorbet of sorts: the concert experience at a local club. It’s been a while since Visitor Blim delivered a film but, I think we’re all glad he did. Overheard in the audience: (paraphrase)
“As a shorter person, now I know what people see at these things!”
Why it should not win The Haverhast:
Even with the obvious music tension, still not horror-art.
“DJM True Stories of Horror”
Why it should win The Haverhast:
An elegant and excellent retelling of a story we all know and love. A taste of “real horror“.
Why it should not win The Haverhast:
This clip is over four years old, and it was presented as more of an historical document
“Livelong Day”
Why it should win The Haverhast:
Wilhelm Van BenkerStein returns! Short, concise, and, I dare say: the most horrific image of the evening!
Nice footage of the railway environment in an urban setting and then, of course, the dreaded tunnel itself.
Why it should not win The Haverhast:
I think the audience could’ve suffered a few more moments of suspense, and, moreover: I do feel as though a new version of the “livelong day” song could’ve easily been prepared by the people he knows in his immediate circle or he himself to deliver an organic product.
“La Mer de Dieu”
Why it should win The Haverhast:
Another work “of the times” as we struggle with aging, loved ones, and the beyond. Other Derek’s character and acting work are a bizarre and refreshing commitment to a vision. A bit too much, yet surprisingly just right. OD goes all in. And, as with many of these films: unpleasantly so. A befuddled academic with a troubled occult back story who still has a thing for eye candy – a special sorta Everyman.
Tons of work went into this barely cobbled together vision, and good thing cuz it worked!
An unparalleled supporting cast (especially Frank as the lost husband) elevate this trippy, spiritual, fecal-matter laden odyssey to next level deliverance.
Giacomo as the protagonist’s friend/roommate “Jack” was the well needed anchor for this work.
Why it should not win The Haverhast:
Those previews were fun, but under developed and not necessary.
The pace. Like many of the films we’ve endured over the years (victims of the time constraints) I bet a few more moments in the edit would’ve easily brought this home
“Recap 2021-22”
A pleasant collection of GTs from the past year. What can be better than Baker Street as interpreted via Frank and his tuba?!
Filming Janice with some of her famous quotes was as fun as profound.
Why it should not win The Haverhast:
I wish there were more
From Visitor Blim:
“Extensions IV: The Promise”
The nice thing about viewing the Extensions films again is that I tend to discover new subtleties and nuances with each viewing. Extensions IV is much more coherent of a film when compared to the first two Extensions films. I think we might be seeing the maturation of the film maker at this point in the series. I cannot argue with the length/editing decisions either. This feels to be the proper edit/cut of the film. Although I do feel like I have a better understanding of the film after a third viewing, I am still left with more questions than answers. For example, is the same individual(s) responsible for the murders of Kurt Wells & The Saint/Jogger? And if so, why? Will we ever know?
“The Passage”
This is a well-crafted piece of horror art. It’s also very heartfelt and beautiful. I thought we were in for a joyous ending, but ultimately horror! Albeit we do have to wait until after the credits roll to see the ultimate fate of our main character. Enough cannot be said about the tremendous original soundtrack (absolutely award worthy.) It added a great additional element to the film. Also the cinematography is top notch. Well done Herr O & Wilhelm. Looking back at the ending again, I am struck by how “the Angel” character first appears then disappears in the opening shot. Suddenly it all makes sense (Was she the ‘angel of death’ or perhaps an apparition or spirit from the other side?) Definitely in the running for multiple awards.
“I was gone, but now I am here.” – Vlindinhauer Haverhast
“Struggling Glutton”
No apologies necessary Frank. We’ve all been there. However, (fairly or unfairly) expectations will be very high for next year’s film. Let’s hope there are no disappointments.
“Mairzy Doats”
Although not a contender for the Haverhast award, this tremendous film making & cinematography. Acting was top notch as well. There might have been a few tears in the room during the conclusion of this screening. This was a very enjoyable film to watch.
“Journey to the Time Before Timeland”
This film was not meant to be a contender for the Haverhast. It’s a throwback film. A celebration of the good times. It pays homage to film making of the past. Some might be too young to remember the “Mission to see the Mission” films. This was the first film after almost 5 years. Hopefully this will be the beginning of a more productive period for the filmmaker.
“DJM True Stories of Horror”
What more can be said about this one. ‘An oldie but a goodie.’ Although I was already familiar with this story, it was nice to see it get its debut screening in front of a festival audience. Well done Herr O.
“Livelong Day”
This was a succinct, well-crafted film. It had a sense of dread and eeriness throughout. I enjoyed this one as well. Well done Wilhelm.
“La Mer de Dieu”
Ah yes, the Reek Crudely noir horror submission this year. What can I say about this one? Award worthy? Yes, most definitely, for the acting tour de force alone (both Other Derek as an aged person as well as Grandfather Giacomo. It was said this could have been the most “tasteful” portrayal of human excrement to date. While this may be true, hopefully one day we can move beyond poop/fart jokes & “potty humor”. Overall another well-crafted piece of horror art. Perhaps a little bit of tightening up in the editing room could be in order? This film is certainly in the running…
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“Recap 2021-2022”
The sorbet to top off a very satisfying meal. Taking a trip down memory lane is always good for some laughs. As always, a celebration of the good times. It’s nice to see how far we have all come in a year’s time. Looking forward to what next year brings us.
Haverhast:
1) La Mer de Dieu
2) The Passage
3) Livelong Day
Honourable Mention:
Other Derek’s acting performance,
Herr O’s original score,
Giacomo Ficaro as Jack
The Saint’s Choice:
The Passage/
La Mer de Dieu
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From Frank:
Extensions IV the promise:
First up we all must celebrate the great audio of the car scenes, dialogue in vehicles have never sounded so good. This extensions movie feels most consistently like a story is unfolding and what a harrowing tale it is! Some amazing footage all around, I loved seeing the gun handed by a child and interviewing scenes were wonderful. Bob tohosky, (a mythical man to me) really feels like a true host and asking the questions that needed to be asked! Live music is always a fun time when watching it perfumed by our peers and this has a great sequence! Also great on location filming: my final review is 8 out of ten, maybe one of the best extensions films I’ve seen!
The passage:
What can we say, a beautiful shot film with a beautiful soundtrack, with a sinister and haunting story. One of the more atmospheric pieces that takes you some place a place of beauty or a place of horror! The surprise ending seems to elude that yes it’s horror.. one could only wonder the back story and who she was. I enjoy this film a lot and it’s hypnotizing feel/sound 8/10 and I think my pick for the saints choice
Struggling glutton:
Well this was more of a cathartic film for me. As I was struggling to do much more than I could even begin to complete the feeling from this years extensions was overwhelming. post covid life and the balance of time are still off in my life and I’m trying to find ways of “cleaning my plates” hopefully next year I’ll be able to offer some real contenders. NA/10 too personal to rate for me
Mairzy doats:
A block buster for the night, it’s nice to see the acting skills brought next level with wonderful cinematography and a compelling chemistry on screen. NA/10 as it was an exhibition
The journey to the time before timeland:
I’ve always loved films like this because it reminds me of my first introduction to extensions Saturday. Like seeing an old friend it brings things home in a way. Though some of the concert scenes went on long, there was some beautifully shot scenes and it was awesome seeing Blim make his comeback! 6/10 let’s see what Blim does next!
Djm true stories of horror: the donkey:
A story we heard before, but put in an eerie way, why was this man in his car sharing this with us, what does it all mean!! 5/10 let us hope the rope doesn’t go slack
Livelong day:
Always great with the camera Wilhelm channels that strength for sure. Also great to see a new face in a film, his acting was wonderful and believable. The story has a great way of feeling like a horror film we all know and love! Almost my haverhast winner this year, and deserves a solid 9/10!
La mer de dieu:
One of the most dynamic of the films this evening, and seemed to feel like a natural progression of Crudelys films through the years. Other Derek’s editing acting and imaginative ideas lead to a wonderful picture; as well as grotesque. For a long run time it’s paced quite pleasantly, and keeps the viewer engaged throughout. A great cast of characters that are just as diverse and bizarre as this story. Few films can use as much fecal matter as this and still hold up, 9.5/10 and my contender for the haverhast, my only concern and maybe a future warning, when horror art becomes to much of a comedy is it still horror art!!??
Recap:
What’s not to like it’s the most delightful movie of the night almost every extensions. I will say it’s very refreshing to watch the good times of this past year when sometimes this year feels a bit too much. It’s happy to reflect on the many and exciting times we have had
From Herr O:
Extension IV: The Promise (1988)
The original gang is back, acting their way through this and that in the near high tech late 80s. There’s new characters like the Saint and The Jogger, representing deep trouble ahead for all involved. For himself, the peak of this film is in the high-tech showdown, i.e. the studio 2 shot recorded at Bayshore Cable. Remarkably, DJM keeps his cool in the studio hot-seat, attempting to convince a blunted and obtuse Bob, that everything in the plot makes perfect sense. Meanwhile, Mary the studio manager, is in the control room running the switcher. When Bob goes on his rant about disappointing outcomes, It should be noted as foreshadow for future production woes. As a clinical hoarder, Bob tried unsuccessfully to hoard the master tapes, while David literally went out the apartment window with them, while Bob was kept distracted .
I don’t think Bob wanted this film released and that’s entirely a separate film. All of this and the end of the Armageddon Band era in their final performance of an homage to the Robert Fripp and the league of gentlemen toe tapper, God save the King. Rob and Jules as Little Feat’s Fatman in the Bathtub is probably the answer to a trivia question on the other side.
“The Passage”
DJM, 2022
I was deeply moved by the invitation, and then the subsequent offering of audio sketches to DJMs vision in this beautifully strange piece The Passage proves that The psychedelic, tragic / horror story is alive here again, because it really is Timeless. I can imagine watching this movie at 3 o’clock in the morning in a hotel in Canada in the year 1980.
OD and Mary Widow were exceptional, as we have learned from their other works of the night. They certainly have their craft honed well in their performance here with DJM at the helm. We can always rely on the horror element being satisfied by DJM or it wouldn’t become An instant classic in the eSaturday pantheon, especially with The slow wave synth and harpsichord tones providing the closure we were looking for.
“Struggling Glutton”
Frank
The struggle and poetry. Here, they come together, without a shit joke in sight. This is what Lennon was singing about in working class hero. Frank’s ode was made more profound by the lowering of the pitch of his voice in postproduction, which gives it the hostage video / ransom type of vibe.
“Mairzy Doats”
OD, Mary Widow, et al
I really loved everything about this short film. It was super professional, everything about it from the audio to the lighting to the acting.
“Journey to the Time Before Timeland”
MPM
A triumphant return of mpm to the fold. Here the Homeric journey takes the form of he and his daughter going to see a concert in New York City with full documentation. What’s not to love?
However, I also agree about editing for duration in the interest of time considerations as part of the night’s entire program.
DJM True Stories of Horror
“The Donkey”
Herr O
Here, the story of “the donkey” is retold by DJM in the back of a car. There’s a lot of terror that you can pack into a minute and a half. indeed, the donkey is a few years old, so it’s merely for entertainment / horror purposes.
“Livelong Day”
Wilhelm Van BenkerStein
The railroad provides a novel approach to terror in this years entry by Wilhelm. This true story of horror was both terrifying and educational.
“La Mer de Dieu”
OD
Certainly the most ambitious film of the night and the most well-crafted. I laughed very hard but was also deeply moved by the relationship between these old friends. Frank’s role as a straight up freak is Saint’s Choice worthy.
Worthy of the Big H
“Recap 2021-22”
always good to see the boys getting up the craic in this homage to the perennial good times
From O D:
“Extensions IV: The Promise (edition 2022)”
The Saint Returns! And he can’t go back on his word!
Decades before Tim and Eric hit the airwaves, the original Extensions gang were drunk driving around the south shore wreaking havoc and hilarity; while the reviewer was busy being a whiny little toddler, these savages were out there creating some of the most hilarious and prescient scenes ever committed to VHS. The jokes land– from the car drinking scene (with the very well recorded audio– I have no idea how they did that), to the ‘bumping off scene’ where the unfortunate Bob’s daughter meekly hands him a firearm, to the dumb, quasi sentient TSA-agent-lite that death left to protect the bridge while off on some other adventure– this feature wholly works. It contains all of the elements that makes Extensions films “Extensions” films– a melange of dark, desperate characters; journeys to strange lands; extremely well edited musical interludes; overzealous tongue-in-cheek self-awareness; scenes of gritty horror; general witiness on the verge of inanity. What elevates this picture are the interview scenes that appear at the end of each of the three acts, and serve the dual function of at once attempting to elucidate some of what’s going on in the minds of the filmmakers, as well as serving as a meta-commentary on Extensions itself. Prior to this year, this reviewer had only vague notions of what “Extensions” really meant… now I think I have a different, if still vague, understanding.
For me, this film also contained the most harrowing scene of the evening– the reproduction of the assassination of Kurt Wells, in all of its super8 glory, followed by a slow pan to reveal a shadowy figure sweating in the background. The effectiveness of this sequence is probably due to the 2022 redux, which begs the question– are the updated versions of the original Extensions films eligible for any Haverhast awards? For this reviewer, despite how enjoyable this film turned out to be, since it is a redux (and also contains unoriginal music), we shall have to declare this film DISQUALIFIED.
“Lights! Who invented this whole light thing?”
“The Passage”
Vlindinhauer Haverhast delivered what is his most terse and eloquent film to date with “The Passage”. The cinematography, music, thematic content, and performances generally work, and the lasting effect of this short is one of questioning. The Passage implies a relationship with Greek mythology, as VH’s “Vlindinhauer Haverhast” takes Everyman across the sea like the ferryman Charon, where he encounters a sort of hollow paradise, and an angelic figure who may be akin to Beatrice, bringing salvation, or a sort of Erinyes, bringing retribution for the damned. Where this short really stands out is in the music that Herr O contributed– these compositions are well crafted and emotionally resonant; I would listen to the OST on compact disk, if available. While the music and the cinematography pair really well together, there are some shots or sequences that run on longer than they perhaps should in order, it seems, to allow the music its proper space. For this reviewer, this was most apparent in the editing for the ‘approach’ scene, where the repeated shots of the everyman slowly nearing Mary Widow as the Angel lose their gravity and veer toward a sort of non-sequitur-esque hilariousness that reminded me of the famous “approaching” sequence from Monty Python and the Holy Grail. That notwithstanding, this film is by and large a triumph, and with some minimal editing, perhaps to get this under 10 minutes, may become a highlight in VH’s oeuvre.
Of note is that this film is the follow up feature to last year’s Haverhast winning film “The Final Conversation of Soames, Ford, and Barnabas”, and as such, should have contained the actual Haverhast somewhere within this work. As it does not appear, this film has been DISQUALIFIED from official awards consideration.
“We we were were friends friends, right right?”
“Of of course course, I I am am here here.”
“Struggling Glutton”
Despite myriad family responsibilities and computer problems, Frank managed to deliver a thought-provoking short piece. The smoky setting, the costume design, and the audio choices (particularly Frank’s booming voice) are highlights of the presentation. The content is striking and terrifying, serving to remind us that our time is limited; gluttony, then, may be a virtue, since the excitement available during our terrestrial lives will be eventually subsumed by the monotony of eternity. The poet here may be suggesting that we rack up what pleasures and debt we can in life, because once complete, there’s nothing left.
Franks subtle performance here should also be lauded– there are few frills, just a simple setting and a worn out man showing thru the cracks– as when Maurice tries to help but bumps the phone, causing a resigned sigh, or the moment after downing the Sacred Nip (is that vanilla extract?) that elicits a pained face and an unintelligible admonishment (something like “oh it tastes horrible”).
Despite its short runtime and limited scope, this piece contains no copyright infringements or otherwise questionable content, and is therefore IN CONSIDERATION.
“The buffet of eternity will have its limits.”
“Mairzy Doats”
This short piece was written by myself and Mary Widow in the early months of 2021, and was inspired by real-life events experienced in the very cabin where this short film was eventually shot. Once we’d written this short script and zhuzhed it up to have a punch to it, we’d sent it to Seth Chatfield, who was excited about the script, and who assembled an amazing and small crew to bring this to fruition. We ended up filming this over a weekend in October 2021, still under Covid restrictions. It was a really cool exercise in producing a budgeted short, replete with a hair/makeup tent and craft services.
I’m particularly proud of Mary Widow’s performance throughout, the “fall” scene in the background (which was just me throwing clothes off the balcony), the sound design and music, as well as some of the responses we’ve received from fellow fans and filmmakers. This film seems to have really hit a chord with people.
This film, however, since created by people outside of the Extensions circle, was shown as an Exhibition piece only, and is therefore DISQUALIFIED from official awards consideration. Content-wise, however, it does fit within the scope of what an “Extensions” film ought to contain– horror art, big ideas about the afterlife, journeys to strange lands– and hopefully will serve to inspire future Extensions films.
“All I know is that I just don’t want to be scared.”
“Journey to the Time Before Timeland”
Mikroglycerin’s presentation of the “Journey to the Time before Timeland” is a well edited glimpse into what it’s like to journey to the time before timeland, or go to a King Gizzard and the Lizard Wizard show in NY. Not once did my attention dwindle during this film, which is a feat in itself. I didn’t even recognize that we were at a KGATLW show until towards the end of the set. I kept thinking, “What band is playing this wild rock and roll and drawing this sort of crowd in 2022?” Of course it was KGATLW, and they delivered the goods, as does Mikroglycerin, who gave us a different sort of glimpse– what it must be like to attend a concert as a tall person.
While an interesting trip to a concert, this film does feature unoriginal music and is therefore DISQUALIFIED from official awards consideration.
“I wanna go! Help me up!”
“DJM True Stories of Horror”
Ah, the old tale of the donkey in the fog. Terrifying. Mysterious. We hear this tale from the maw of a layabout hiding within the confines of a warmed automobile as his wife pumps gas alone in the frigid temperatures outside. This story recounts how the layabout, and some ‘people’ were adventuring, in the back yard, when a heavy fog rolled in, and the donkey they had broke free and ran into the fog. It’s a tale told by an idiot, missing sound, and fury, signifying nothing, but at only 71 seconds long, palatable.
All slights considered, I found every moment of this to be pretty funny. The musical choices, although stock, work, and Herr O’s editing choices do an excellent job of emphasizing idiosyncrasies within the actor’s performance.
This film, however, does make use of unoriginal music, not to mention ages-old footage, and is therefore DISQUALIFIED from official awards consideration.
“… but the worst thing about it was the terrible expression of agony that remained on the face of the donkey.”
“Livelong Day”
Wilhelm van Benkerstein’s most cohesive piece yet, “Livelong Day,” contained the most atmospheric presence of the evening, as our main character ventures into the darkened and allegedly haunted Hoosac tunnel, where he encounters a murderous spirit from centuries past. This film works in its cinematography and in the quiet performance of its lead. While some of the introductory scenes could use some tightening up in the editing room, the shots themselves are interesting and suggestive. The floating lantern was particularly well done, and surprised this reviewer upon seeing it. This effect alone was well crafted and effective, but was outshone by the reveal of the ghost of the rail worker, which was even more effective, and elicited a slight chill in the air. I wanted to see more of our main character, K, but otherwise this short exercise in eliciting terror was well done.
This film, like many others which have come before it (including many of my own), makes use of a stock audio recording of “I’ve Been Working on the Railroad”, which therefore, unfortunately, means this film is DISQUALIFIED from official awards consideration.
“I’m just here to find an electrical box, and I’m out.”
“La Mer de Dieu”
The origins of this idea came from a conversation with our Host, VH, one day. I cannot now recall the specifics, but it had something to do with the plumbing of men, something about how we get older our pipes slow down, and how all our refuse ends up in the same place. I then had an idea for a micro short of someone sitting on the toilet but getting pulled thru by a mysterious hand, and that spawned the idea as a whole. I didnt plan on making this short, in fact I was scrambling for an idea for the Haverhast as late as November 1st, when our upstairs tenants reported that their toilet had a crack in it (likely from their toddler dropping something heavy onto it), which gave me my first prop and opened the floodgates to creation. I had also dressed up as my grandfather for halloween, so I had a costume at the ready; from there the story unfolded in a single sitting and we set to it. Inspired by the past films of F2 and DJM and the F Jam, and with the spirit of what it means to be a Haverhast winner– the zeal with which it presents the unexpected in unexpected ways– I set to work over a few weeks to make this idea a reality.
Much of this film was shot at my house– the bathroom is my bedroom’s bathroom, the flying thru the pipe scene was shot in my backyard looking down from the porch (where Nick Daga, his gf Dori Magee, Billy Deeb and my neighbor April Halloran (the latter two also appears as a cult members in the flashback scene) sprayed me with a hose and threw cosmic brownies at me); the reverse shots of giles in the piped room are my papa’s basement. The pipes out of which I climbed are off of Court Rd in winthrop, around the corner from my house, and the Well is at Lewis Lake, just down the street from the New Great Hall by the Sea. Thankfully we were graced with warmer November weather, which made many of the wet scenes, if not pleasant, at least doable. The scenes with my grandfather were filmed by my mother one day when she was visiting. I had fed Jack the general idea and tried to get him to respond to the plot per the script, but he kept improvising– the mark of a well trained actor– which ended up making his scenes work extremely well. I’d originally gotten him comfortable on camera by asking him about his favorite film, which sent him into a 25 minute long presentation of the entire plot of the Godfather films, in chronological order, and excluding the third one, which Jack says “is not Michael.”
We certainly had some laughs in making this, but upon reflection, I wonder– why the hell did I make this? It’s a shitty film thrice over– in theme, technical aspects, and character design. I’m not particularly proud of this, but I learned a few new tricks for storytelling, filming, editing, and sound design/music (I pulled out hard-bop guitar licks out of my ass, just like everything else in this short film) which I will be able to use going forward. I’m very grateful for the time and patience that my friends and family were willing to give me to make this film (I think all told it took under 18 hours to film and edit this whole thing, which is perhaps what I’m most proud of– the efficiency with which I pulled this out my ass). While in general I think La Mer de Dieu does a fine job in marrying the sacred and profane, maybe it IS time I move on from fart jokes. Eh we’ll see.
Since this film is the only one of any considerable length and group effort, and does not contain any disqualifying aspects, it is unfortunately the only one in my book that is eligible for the Haverhast.
“You wanna find out where her husband went? He went and get another young chicky!”
“Recap22”
Well it’s world Carouselambra day. In perpetuity. What a delight. I always enjoy these closing films. They help to remind us of the good times, and some of the bad times, and a few of the ugly times. There was a scene in here of a night that ended in shame and shambles that I had half forgotten but delighted in reliving for a moment.
Frank’s tuba stylings, Janice and Widow riffing lines from classic films, and Blim’s self-revelatory musings serve as highlights for me. It was great to see David Smart reappear, as if in a dream. Too many great lines, and far too many great moments of life to fit into one short recap, but our host VH did a fine job with this compilation film, and made for an excellent cap to an excellent evening. To many more!
“I mean there’s been times when people have suggested I need to be institutionalized but I don’t think that’s true at all. You know, I think everything’s completely fine.”
“Every door leads somewhere!”
“We’re all living on borrowed time, unnecessary borrowed time.”
From Wilhelm:
Extensions
Another great chapter to this ever-unfolding tale. The looming dawn of technological innovation teamed with a shrouded figure in concrete fortresses. Children with handguns. And a musical sequence! One of the best Extensions I’ve seen. The mystery continues! The haunting call across the bridge…
The Passage
There’s an eloquence to this picture. A poetic, taut expression of longing, sadness, grace. All things encapsulate this piece, plus a final bit of horror to top that leaves me wondering, where does art end and horror begin? I think this film encapsulates both. Is this the first harbor setting we’ve seen? The bar has once again been raised. And the music! Top not, Herr O for the great score.
Struggling Glutton
This piece shows a pleasant shift on Frank’s part. He sometimes takes on more than he can chew, but this easing off the gas shows some spiritual growth. Some battles are not worth winning, and to recognize the trade winds against him, he chose personal well being over a film fraught with difficulty. Cheers. (Also it’s rather intriguing that the poem itself is told with such consistency with the themes of his films that it’s less of a step back than it is a transmigration!)
The Journey to the Time before Timeland
What a good time! This was a refreshing documentary-like take on a night out with the family. I must say I enjoyed the perspective of the concert-goer, and the minimal editing really leaned into the experience itself.
La mer de dieu:
What a film! Structurally coherent and hilarious. Other Derek clearly put in a lot of time and effort to get this done. In spite of the boundaries the movie crosses (but what Haverhast film doesn’t?!) this much is clear: in the absence of Frank Squared, we have Other Derek, the apotheosis of scatalogical exploration, strained philosophy, and pathos, giving birth to La Mer de dieu.
Recap 22
Ah, a joyous round up of past events! I wasn’t present for any of them, but that’s what you get for moving to the vast, sprawling, distant south shore. It looked like fun, though and I’m glad they experienced it!
The Professor:
Extensions IV: The Promise
These first forays into filmmaking by DJM and the OG Extensions Crew are a bit of a mystery to me. That said, it’s a hoot to see friends decades ago when they were High School age or thereabouts. I don’t know if I’ll ever fully understand the significance of these VHS productions. This fourth remastered video features a colorful cast of characters like The Saint, The Jogger, as well as the perpetually perplexed A.V. Teacher and the obligatory basement jam session. I think it’s one of those “I guess you had to be there” situations.
The Passage
A solid effort by The Host. The first of the evening’s many films about the journey from the Now Today to the Hereafter. Lots of good things to recommend about this film, naturalistic acting, on location shoots, excellent camerawork, and a stellar score by Herr O. The screenplay could have used a bit more dialogue to explain why the Everyman character was embarking on his Final Journey and what that twist ending was all about. My vote for Honorable Mention.
Struggling Glutton
A moving poem/monologue by Frank. He speaks about what we’re all feeling right now, living amid 2+ years of pandemic. The pitch-shifted speech was distracting at first, but after repeated viewings it felt like the right choice.
Mairzy Doats
The standout film of the evening, even though it was not officially in contention for the Haverhast. The two-character drama was so beautifully written, acted, and filmed. There was real onscreen chemistry between OD and Mary Widow, and I teared up at the end of this Romantic/Tragedy. Bravo to all involved!
Journey to the Land Before Timeland
A nice documentary of The Good Times that we took for granted pre-pandemic. I had no idea who the band was until near the conclusion of the film; King Gizzard and the Lizard Wizard, those musical chameleons from Oz. Sure seemed like a delightfully chaotic show. Entertaining though it was, it was not a Horror film.
DJM True Stories of Horror: The Donkey Story was new to me. (I later learned that it’s an oft’ told tale.) The final freeze-frame of the film evokes the look of pure terror of what the donkey saw in the fog!
Livelong Day
This film had great potential. Excellent use of location shots and low-light camerawork. I liked the casting and acting too. It was a bit of a letdown to see the film end so quickly with a single jump scare. A sort of “Blair Witch” ending. The field recording of “I’ve Been Working on the Railroad” is fine with me but runs afoul of the Extensions rules. It could have easily been replaced with a homemade lo-fi recording of the song. A missed opportunity and probably a disqualification.
La Mer de Dieu
My selection for the Haverhast. This film had it all; a memorable screenplay, snappy dialogue and voiceover, strong acting, genuinely scary and hilarious set pieces, and lots and lots of SHIT! My only quibble is the inclusion of the news footage at the beginning of the film. It would have been stronger without it. The relationship between OD and his papa was so touching. Kudos to “Jack” for playing the straight man. Derek was also quite convincing as Mr. Simms, presiding over his perverse version of heaven in the literal bowels of the Earth. More of this, please.
Recap 2021-2022
Always fun to look back on the past year. Tempus Fugit, eh? Another difficult year for all of us, but we muddled though with good humor and courage. Here’s to more of The Good Times in the New Year.
Mr Y:
The Passage
Excellent cinematography, soundtrack, and setting. A chilling tale of what awaits us all (?)
Struggling Glutton
An impassioned reading of an original poem that addresses some real issues wrapped in a disquieting metaphor.
Journey To The Time Before Timeland
Always a fan of MPM’s concert footage, this being a show I wasn’t able to attend made it more special.
DJM True Stories Of Horror
A pithy tale of horror, no frills.
Livelong Day
Not being familiar with the tunnel featured, I had no idea what was in store which made the short film all the more effective.
La Mer de Dieu
Great acting and characterizations. Giacomo was a standout.
The Haverhast: The Passage
The Saint’s Choice: La Mer de Dieu
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May 14th 