This was one-of-a-kind programming genius, as this contained two of Joe Dante’s television works (“Lightning” and “Homecoming”) along with his segment from the “Twilight Zone Movie”. It all started with “It’s A Good Life”, which I had never seen before, and let me say, it blew me away. Less the story (it is hokey in that great Twilight Zone tradition), but by the level of filmmaking displayed here by Dante. The craftsmanship is fantastic on such a grand scale with amazing sets, brilliant cinematography (the colours made it look like a Mario Bava film) and some crazy and imaginative special effects. Dante explained that he was left to his own devices and this is clearly evident, as it is full of his signature cartoon humour.
Next up was Dante’s episode of “Picture Windows” which was a series where directors had to find a painting and then create a back-story for it. Joe Dante did the opposite, finding a story that he wanted to do (it is his only Western) and then finding an etching that fit his story which he duplicates as the opening shot. While its television origins are obvious, this was still an entertaining piece of work, but nothing outstanding.
Finally came “Homecoming” which is his season one episode of “Masters Of Horror”, and is a not-too-subtle attack on the Bush administration and the Iraq war in general, in the guise of a zombie film. However instead of rising from the grave to kill, these zombies just want their voices heard about a war they don’t believe was worth dying for. I had previously watched this a number of times already and I’m happy to report that it still packs a punch.
Overall, this was a great session of short films (that I originally thought may have been dull), with the standout being the “Twilight Zone Movie” segment, which I thought was just outstanding.
3.5 Stars - Viewed at the 2010 Melbourne International Film Festival
No comments:
Post a Comment