Hemorrhage

This film is rather difficult to review without giving too much away. It was recommended to me by none other than Ewen MacIntosh who made a name for himself as Big Keith in the original British version of The Office. He said that the main character reminded him of me. I read the synopsis on IMDb and discovered that the main character is a recently released mental patient dependent on anti-psychotic medication who kidnaps a female co-worker and takes her on a traumatic joy ride. Ewen loves to flatter me.

As I watched the film, I got the feeling that Ewen only recommended it to get back at me for recommending a film called ABSENTIA which I thoroughly enjoyed (even though there was one particularly ludicrous aspect to it and it doesn't really go anywhere) but which he described as, and I quote, "dross". By the end of the flick I realised that he probably wasn't trying to get revenge on me. HEMORRHAGE is an above average thriller with some half-decent acting, an unsettling atmosphere, a couple of unexpected surprises and a fast enough pace to keep you tuned in. Without giving too much away, I'd probably describe it as a David Lynch Cheese Dream with a slight element of FIGHT CLUB. I've only given it 6/10 but Ewen MIGHT give it at least an extra star. Having said that, I'd only recommend this film to major horror fanatics who are desperate for something vaguely watchable. You could do a lot worse than HEMORRHAGE.

Feel free to check out my IMDb lists, specifically the one entitled "HORROR/THRILLER: Obscure, Overlooked & Underrated". http://www.imdb.com/user/ur23177327/?ref_=nv_usr_prof_2

Braden Croft is a very impressive writer and director. Each of his films are unique and well done. I find myself getting drawn in from the start trying to figure out what comes next. If you're bored with monotonous horror films that all seem like the same story, give his films a try. This one is creepy in a great way but the characters are fleshed out nicely so you feel invested. Loved it.

(2011) Hemorrhage PSYCHOLOGICAL HORROR

Film project for Braden Croft who has at least seven credits to this movie. According to imdb, he is credited for besides writer and director, but he also has a co-starring role as Ray, 'executive producer/ producer, cinematographer, editor and finally 'camera operator & electrical department.

At the first few minutes shows a guy who's about to blow his brains out. And when he does that we then get the beginning credits showing us some actual 'brain hemorrhage' scenes. After it was over, we are then introduced to a guy who's about to be let out from a psyche ward or from the mental institution. The agency that let him out also got him a job, he starts to get delusions so the agency decide to get him another job this time as a janitor for an independent doctor's clinic. As he's working, he becomes infatuated with the clinic's only working nurse, Claire (Brittney Grabill), and introduces himself as Ronnie (Ryland Alexander). Ronnie then gets more delusions and after killing a few people along the way, he then kidnaps Claire and forces her onto this bizarre road trip starting with her sister's place. This movie is low budget and consists of nothing I haven't seen before. Bomb.

When people complain that there is a lack of ideas, especially when it comes to horror movies, maybe they would do well not seeking among the blockbusters. Maybe they should better looking for independent directors and screenwriters, able to build different stories, that would not even be considered by the major studios.

This is a film that replaces a big budget for the love of a personal project and thoroughness in all elements that are under the creative control. Cinematography, editing, good choice of where music should go, excellent performances of the main characters in his journey to nowhere. And it works.

It is not a perfect film, needless to say, it will not like you if you are one of those that want everything to have a logical explanation, that's because we are dealing with sick characters with very personal motivations. You'll like if you usually empathize with difficult people, and prefer psychological terror.

Give it a chance and give it to yourself. And do justice to pull this film off so unfair disregard.