Murder Party
by Jeremy Saulnier
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DVD Cover Information
Actor: Chris SharpDirector: Jeremy Saulnier
Brand: Magnolia Pictures
DVD: Region Code 1
Audio: English (Unknown); Spanish (Subtitled); English (Original Language)
Format: Closed-captioned, Color, Dolby, DVD, NTSC, Subtitled, Widescreen
Picture Format: 1.78:1
Running Time: 79 minutes
DVD Release Date: 2007-10-16
Audience Rating: R (Restricted)
Model: 10108
Studio: Magnolia Home Entertainment
Product features:
- In search of a good time, Chris drops in on a Halloween party thrown by pretentious Brooklyn artists in this satirical horror film. Without warning, he becomes the object of their "Murder Party," an overblown art project that involves his torture and death. Naturally, Chris isn't so thrilled about this idea. However, though stuck in an unwieldy cardboard costume, Chris isn't as helpless as he look
Movie Reviews of Murder Party
Movie Review: Are you in your Mom's Basement?
Summary: 5 Stars
Let me address the naysayers: Go back to your mainstream CGI releases, you're not wanted here, you're morons. Sit at your 13 inch televisions in your mom's basement, pop in Underworld (your idea of true horror) into your playstation2 and sit there and rot.
This movie was brilliant. Before I prattle on, let me ask you a question: Have you ever seen Bad Taste (1987), Peter Jackson's (Lord of the Rings) 1st official film? This movie (Bad Taste) was created under similar circumstances as Murder Party, self funded with buddies and volunteers bringing it all together and it really works.
The opening sequences, which were filmed before the movie was even written, were very good, fitting and set the stage. I appreciated the camera angles and opening score. As ridiculous as this sounds, I liked the movie right there and then. The opening sequences are more important than often given credit.
Reviews that critique a film, scene for scene, are tedious, additionally; giving too much away isn't a good thing either. Therefore, I am going cover a few select morsels and expound on my over all message (which is: See This Movie)
Our lonely guy and champion (Chris Sharp, producer) is ideal, his portrayal is convincing and his appearance fits. The geeky glasses he wears were actually the ones he wore in 7th grade. Our protagonist stumbles across an invitation on the sidewalk (great steady camera work, while following the invite blow down the walkway). Our homely hero believes this is fate and decides to accommodate the invite. In preparation, the making of pumpkin bread and a cardboard suit of armor was priceless as was the standoff with Sir Lancelot (Snooty Puff) the cat. Seriously, aren't you intrigued yet? Why aren't you queuing this movie already?
After a most entertaining commute, via New York public transportation, our unsuspecting meter maid arrives as the guest of honor and is quickly accosted. The other main players, whose characters are artists of various sorts; Macon (Macon Blair), Paul (Paul Goldblatt, make-up, special effects), Bill (William Lacey), Lexi (Stacy Rock) and Sky (Skei Saulnier, producer, Jeremy's wife) are passing the time waiting to see if someone was stupid enough to show. It is never explained whether the invite was lost by another, thrown to the wind or whatever; this does nothing to damage the plot though, as it is fate we attribute, regardless of the path.
The whole premise of this Murder Party is to A. Impress Alexander, an alleged art aficionado in an attempt to win his favor and accompanying grant money (more on him later). B. To commit a murder, utilizing each artist's creativity to transform this grizzly deed into something profoundly artistic. I know, sounds shaky, however, Jeremy and his clan pull it off superbly. I mean, come on, there are people that believe embryos encased in earrings are artistic, this could really happen (Especially in New York).
There are a series of scenes that follow that are excellent, involving blunders, absurd (absurd in a most entertaining way) dialogues and the accidental death of one of the hosts, which I'll expound upon. Sky, decides to eat the pumpkin bread Chris was kind enough to bring, not noticing the raisins within. Being allergic, this resulted in a fall in which her head strikes a wicked looking spike-like object on the floor. Jeremy (Director and Skei's husband) explains that her demise was imperative early on in the film due the necessity of having her presence on the set, beauty and brains, gotta love it.
After which, additional characters are introduced; Alexander (Alexander Barnett) and his Polish henchman Zycho (Bill Tangradi, associate producer). Alexander is over the top, he has a screen presence that oozes half-witted arrogance and I mean this as a complement, Alexander's performance is excellent. It was stated that he is presently a landscaper (within the DVD extras). I am not sure if this was a joke, if it is true, what a waste.
William Lacey's performance is perfect, seriously, I was wondering if he went off the meds for the shoot. I don't mean that disparagingly, it was very convincing. If my critique has done nothing for you, as far as motivating you to see the film, let this be a factor; William Lacey's performance is one of the more realistic, rage induced portrayals I have seen in a long time. I will say no more on this; hence I give too much away.
Macon, running around, searching for an outlet to plug in his electric chainsaw was classic, I will never cut wood with the same frame of mind again, Bravo!
Another worthy mention (if I mentioned every scene I had intended, we would need an intermission) is the special effects (way to go Paul), specifically the burnt wolf, this was so horrific, I loved it. During the filming, a set designer (if I remember right) had his daughter on hand, at this scene; she broke down and cried it was that ghastly.
The movie progresses, with smart and humorous dialogue, chases ensue, truth serum is used, a dog eats a bag of crank, baseball bats, chainsaws, axes, demises are met, Including a room of ½ naked, body painted artsy types and a twist (twisted) ending, not in a "Sixth Sense" way, more so as a "who is really the bad guy" kind of thing.
I don't want to give the ending away, and I don't want to ruin the movie with too much description. The message here is that if you love Indi films with passionate, budding talent, this is the film for you. Furthermore, I can see this film becoming a cult classic, Halloween must-see.
When Peter Jackson made Bad Taste in 1987, he too was met with much criticism; however, those guys are still in their mom's basement. See the movie, you won't regret it.
Happy Horrors
Summary of Murder Party
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