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It\u2019s not only the last Monday in October, but it\u2019s Halloween week, and that means BEHIND THE LENS is celebrating the holiday with blood and gore and fun. \u00a0I\u2019ve had quite a few horror and thriller films this month to pick from for today\u2019s show, but I\u2019ve settled on one that is Bloody Bonkers Brilliance – HUMAN from writer\/director\/editor\/sound mixer MATT STUERTZ.<\/p>\n
BLOODY BONKERS BRILLIANCE are the three words that perfectly encapsulate the gloriously demented, outrageously entertaining, blood-soaked cinematic insanity that is HUMAN. \u00a0A frenetic, frenzied, visually dazzling supernatural horror extravaganza that embraces the absurd while remaining grounded in something surprisingly fundamental: the emotions that make us human. And thanks to a balls-to-the-wall performance by Jackie Kelly, cinematography by David Christopher Pitt that would make Technicolor guru Natalie Kalmus rise from her grave demanding a Technicolor credit, some ingenious editing, and a soundscape that alternates between sensory overload and terrifying silence, HUMAN is one helluva ride!<\/p>\n
HUMAN follows Dani Ferris (Jackie Kelly), who is alone and exhausted past the point of reason. \u00a0It’s past midnight and she\u2019s all alone. Away from home. Tired as hell. Not prepared for the roller coaster of emotions she’s about to ride front-row. Sleep? \u00a0Nope. What she wanted is a little tease of digital debauchery before bed. What she’s going to get is a blood-drenched supernatural nightmare of horrors and heartbreak as tonight is a night for friends, lovers, enemies, frenemies, little guns, bigger guns, love, hate, life, death, and things a hell of a lot more super than natural. A night Dani will never forget. And neither will he. \u00a0Tonight, every relationship is a gamble and every hour brings a new threat as Matt Stuertz keeps the pressure rising as Dani rides a roller coaster of emotions she never saw coming.<\/p>\n
As I said, HUMAN is written and directed by MATT STUERTZ. \u00a0Matt also edited the film along with David Christopher Pitt who is also the cinematographer. \u00a0With Joseph Holiday as composer and Michael Epstein handling production sound with Matt also serving additional duty as the film\u2019s sound mixer, you are in for a sonic treat as well as a visual one. \u00a0Jackie Kelly stars as Dani and delivers one of the most amazing, high-energy, in-every-frame performance that I have ever seen. \u00a0A climactic blood bath bathroom scene is a genuine climactic highlight in HUMAN and Jackie dazzles. \u00a0Joining Jackie are Jeffrey Decker as Aaron, Cecily Dowd as Christina, and Brock Russell with a nutso performance as film studio owner and Dani\u2019s boss, Jacky Verde. \u00a0And a big shout out to David Christopher Pitt who also does triple duty with the SFX makeup.<\/p>\n
As you\u2019re about to hear, in this exclusive interview, Matt and I focus on the film\u2019s creative execution and technical elements. \u00a0 Matt also \u00a0highlights Jackie’s energetic performance, David’s frenetic yet structured cinematography, and the film’s vibrant, Technicolor-inspired visual style. Interesting is Matt\u2019s creative process, particularly with his inspiration for this film and how the concept was inspired by real-life texting experiences. \u00a0We also discuss the impactful soundscape and the use of public domain music to enhance specific scenes. All of the indie filmmakers listening will appreciate Matt\u2019s thoughts and emphasis on how a micro-budget necessitated creative problem-solving, such as using macro shots for gore inserts. Ultimately, Matt reflects on the joy of collaborating with talented friends to complete this ambitious project<\/p>\n
And you can settle in for some good blood, gore and body parts right now as HUMAN is currently in select theatres AND available on VOD and Digital platforms!<\/p>\n
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