Caffeinated Clint
Word trickles in about “Sin-Jin Smyth”
Apparently a bunch of blood buffs ventured into Burbank’s Warner Lot a couple of weeks ago to check out a new film that we’ve been mentioning here and there, called “Sin-Jin Smyth”, the brainchild of filmmaker Ethan Dettenmaier.
The past few days I’ve had trickles of feedback stream in about said screening, and the word is good, very good. Apparently Dettenmaier has mashed together a really hip horror flick, one that Tarantino might care to buy a 35mm print for later in the day, and one that might help keep the spirit of true-blue gore alive. (Which Eli Roth’s “Hostel” is also helping do).
Personally, anyone that rescues the superb Richard Tyson – dude, anyone that gets to wrestle Sherilyn Fenn behind a shower screen is cool in my book – from B-obscurity and plonks him back into the plum stuff gets the glint of approval here. And don’t even start with Roddy ‘They Live’ Piper…I’m still convinced that the bigwigs mistook Hulk Hogan for Rowdy, thus explaining the latter’s full-plate of work, and the formers less significant credential register.
Anyway, noticed a review from one of the chaps that scored a seat at the screening here. Apparently Dettenmaier – who sounds like a rather modest chap, can’t say that about everyone in LaLawood – introduced the film by explaining that “All the threads are together, but some scenes are missing. The character development is also not in the rough cut, as not all the characters are introduced.”
The reviewer, MoviesOnline’s Sheila Roberts, donned a beam on her way out of the screening room by the sounds, saying that “I can honestly say that this is one smart, stylish, and very original film. While “Sin-Jin Smyth” is very much a horror film, it crosses over into the action and thriller genres as well, making it somewhat of a hybrid. And it uses some very cleverly placed humor to lighten up its darker moments”.
“Even in its incomplete state without any post production enhancements, it’s clear this film is well written, solidly directed, and tightly paced. The acting is solid and the characters are well developed. The filmmakers have succeeded in creating an extraordinary atmosphere using imaginative lighting combined with the creative use of fog, smoke, and/or wind to establish and maintain the film’s unsettling tone.”
I thought this was interesting – especially as a fan (I’m one of two I hear) of his turn in “Twin Peaks: Fire Walk With Me” – Dettenmaier wanted David Bowie at one stage for the film. “Ethan explained that he had originally wanted to cast the lead singer Brian Johnson from AC/DC then, David Bowie for the role of Sin-Jin Smyth, but circumstances made that impossible. Instead, the role was offered to Jonathan Davis, the lead singer of Korn. Ethan said this was a lucky break that worked out perfectly. He clearly has a lot of respect for Davis and the work he did on this film. Indeed, Davis turns in a great performance as the title character”.
Having written several yarns for studios myself (most notably, a couple of franchise efforts), and having had similar experiences, I can really appreciate what D Dettenmaier did when it came to the studio’s request of compromising his baby, too. Says Sheila, “Ethan described his David and Goliath fight with the studio over the project. At one point, studio executives bluntly told him, “There are no good guys, only bad and worse.” They suggested he add a love angle to the story, use a younger (and less experienced) cast, and perhaps insert an exorcism into the third act to make it more interesting. Ethan, however, refused to compromise the integrity of his project and fought the system to get his film made his way. He had no interest in making a film that would roll everything into a happily contrived ending. Instead of selling out and making a film for people within the studio system or succumbing to bad suggestions for formulated rewrites just to secure financing, or worse, accepting offers to buy the script, he stuck to his original ideas and directorial vision and insisted on filming the project as he had written it”.
There’s an equally gushing review of the film http://www.reelhorror.com/ here, but meantime, ‘Jess’ pointed out an interview that the director did with Movie Crypt.
Having essentially chucked a hissy-fit at the media screening of genteel turd that was “The Fog” remake, myself, I was relieved to hear the director of “Sin-Jin Smyth” say this: “I didn’t see the remake of THE FOG…Recent experiences at the theatre with remakes have caused me to boycott that kind of sh*t!”. Sold.
If you’ve read my review of that one, here at Moviehole or in one of the various papers, magazines or on a radio show I do, you’ll know I came close to handing in my media pass after that unplumbed disgrace of a redo. Seriously Carpenter….if you need money, call Kurt.
Anyway, I look forward to checking this out.
Also, talking of scary spectacles, my good friend Pat Lussier’s currently directing “White Noise 2” in CA, and ol’ bud James Gunn’s “Slither” is on it’s way to a theatre near you. Please give that they may grow.
Thanks to ‘Jess’, ‘Tammy’, ‘Shannon’, ‘Goran’
