GORSEHILL FARM - Weston

My favorite moment was the shot of the killer in the hayloft walking past the opening with the low piano note. Very nice there.

I have to be honest, when they were talking about the third guy being a nutjob I completely expected a scene coming up where they were casually slaughtering cows or some other commentary on insanity taken for granted.

Overall I got the feel that this could have come from an early horror flick ala Friday the 13th. I mean that in a good way.. the old school original F.t.13th, when it was scary. Or "My Bloody Valentine."

The kill scene was okay, but would have been much scarier with a reverse angle on the killer from the victim's PoV. Also instead of the victim running and falling (I'm sorry but this isn't even funny anymore) you should have just had him stunned in horror as the killer coldly, methodically, raised his axe and split him like a piece of cordwood.

I liked it overall. I make these observations only given a concept worth thinking about to build on. Well done.
 
pornet said:
I think alot of people are um...not so much complaining, but just really like that movie. And that's why they keep saying you need more story and such. They want to see it develop into something more. Sometimes it's hard to realize how short six minutes is, haha.

Maybe you should consider making a "feature" length version, or like a 30 min version. Director's cut perhaps? haha.
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I don't know how I am supposed to take this?

I watched the film and gave an honest review. I wasn't harsh and I didn't pacify the filmmaker.

I absolutely enjoyed the setting and the cinematography.

I thought that the story started to get somewhere when he got into the barn. I LOVED the piano chord as he passed by.

I just don't know WHY he killed him. I think that is a fair thing to ask.

I don't mean to sound so peeved, but I came back to this thread because I wanted to learn something. What were the filmmaker's choices and why did he make them.

If Weston would like to PM me, I would love to talk about this film some more. I found it very different from the rest and I applaud that. But if I am going to be insulted, I'll stay away.

Ted
 
hey Ted, Sorry about that. I didn't mean to come off as insulting. I was just trying to say that because you didn't understand some things, and took the time to say you didn't meant you were interested in the film. Which would entice Weston to make an extended version. Just for everyones viewing pleasrue.
 
I don't know how I am supposed to take this?

I watched the film and gave an honest review. I wasn't harsh and I didn't pacify the filmmaker.

I absolutely enjoyed the setting and the cinematography.

I thought that the story started to get somewhere when he got into the barn. I LOVED the piano chord as he passed by.

I just don't know WHY he killed him. I think that is a fair thing to ask.

I don't mean to sound so peeved, but I came back to this thread because I wanted to learn something. What were the filmmaker's choices and why did he make them.

If Weston would like to PM me, I would love to talk about this film some more. I found it very different from the rest and I applaud that. But if I am going to be insulted, I'll stay away.

Ted
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Ted I'm very sorry that Jed (Pornet) upset you with his comment. You have every right to ask about and wonder why that guy killed the character at the barn. As I said before...I agree with everyone who thinks the story isn't very well rounded. I myself don't even know why he decided to kill him. Previously we had a longer story where the identity of the killer was revealed as were his reasons. However since we didnt have the time to tell that story I had to cut it down to a random event. Your critique is one that I heartily agree with.

Once again I'm sorry if Pornet insulted you....he tends to have a way of doing that with everyone he talks to whether he wants to or not. Hes offended me hundreds of times. Please forgive him. Hes just a little too partial and excited about anything I do as a friend of mine. I don't want you to feel unwelcome here at all. I really appreciate you dropping by with your review.

And to Pornet...while I do enjoy your enthusiasm...but please don't be too partial. There are alot of good films out there...alot of better ones. Just because I make something doesnt mean its instant enjoyment for an audience everywhere. If I want to make an extended version of a movie I will regardless of how much dislike something may recieve. Having said that I dont think anyone has been hateful of this. All reviews posted have been very insightful and helpful and I'm greatful for every one of them.

Well..anyway..thanks everyone for the feedback. I hope this hasnt caused any perminent strife.
 
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I mean Gorsehill Farm is okay, BUT WHAT ABOUT CRAB MEAT MURDERS 4!?!? AND THE CLASSIC TRIOLOGY!? Boy it's goin to be the best NINEOLOGY of all time. AM I RIGHT OR AM I RIGHT?
 
I liked a lot of the camera work, and the moment when the killer appears was very scary. The texture and environment was all very good. Love the cows.

Ben
 
The texture was my favorite thing about this EXCELLENT cinematography! Just add some ADR for the dialogue and you are golden. For killer motivation...Perhaps you could add the killer seeing them talking or something or a flashback of when the one dude saw him chopping wood at night and then the killer followed them back, without the guy knowing, to see where they lived.... Or maybe the guy took something when he snuck over there....hmmm

I liked this! Good stuff!
 
I liked the cinematography in this one and the location and the score worked well at the right moments. I didnt really like the echo effect with the axe...I'd rather have something that would add speed to it with more blood and gore but that's just me.
The acting was very decent and the lead was quite convincing.
However, I wouldnt ask for a feature. I would ask for a 3minute version instead. The intro with all the times and seeing the place, see them do their thing, see the cows....well that didnt fit in the 5.40 version you delivered. Since you have no time to present a background for the killer and his motivations, go wild and just show us a massacre, meaningless as it may be, the last minute was scary and creepy and that fits well with this fest.
 
Acting: Felt doc like, suited the film.
Script: This let it down for me; you did create an overall creepy feel though.
Direction: Some nice moments here.
Music: Liked the music but the dialogue recording this brought everything down for me.
Editing: Stayed a little too long on some shot’s for my liking,
Lighting: A little flat but your use of natural was really nice. Some lovely shot choices.
Loved: The track back of the barn, the sun flare (nice man), the hand chop, the overall watch ability of this film, the location, seriously this film was the first to creep me out, I love that about it!
Hated: Dialogue audio recording. The end, (just felt too unresolved)
Overall: This film had a ‘Chainsaw’ feel about it, apart from the script/ audio I think you captured something I haven’t seen in many movies - Eeriness/ nastiness. I think if you would have had a solid script you would have shocked people more. It’s a very interesting piece. You’ve got a really nice developing style here. Look forward to more of your work.

J.P.
 
This short contained great cinematography all the way through. I'm a big fan of
natural lighting and you picked damn good days to shoot on. Although the audio
suffered from poor recording situations, I think you're not too far from a nice film.
The story seemed undeveloped in this version and completely let me down. I
have high hopes that you'll continue with this one and not let the great footage
go to waste!

Still, pretty juicy feel goin' on here!
 
I liked it overall. I make these observations only given a concept worth thinking about to build on. Well done.
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Thanks alot ming. I'm happy it was enjoyable for you.

I liked a lot of the camera work, and the moment when the killer appears was very scary. The texture and environment was all very good. Love the cows.
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Thanks! I'm thinking we should have had more shots of cows. Everyone seems to like them. Seeing them around here is an everyday occurence.

The texture was my favorite thing about this EXCELLENT cinematography! Just add some ADR for the dialogue and you are golden. For killer motivation...Perhaps you could add the killer seeing them talking or something or a flashback of when the one dude saw him chopping wood at night and then the killer followed them back, without the guy knowing, to see where they lived.... Or maybe the guy took something when he snuck over there....hmmm

I liked this! Good stuff!
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Hey I'm glad you liked the cinematography. I really don't know what I'm doing with it, but I guess through fiddling around with the camera alot Ive learned a decent amount about what to do. The sound did indeed suck...but thats my fault for not making the film 2 months earlier. As for the killer...it was going to be one of his own friends who worked at the farm with him and it was over a girl. But...as you can tell...none of that made it into the movie. Glad you still enjoyed it though...thanks.

I liked the cinematography in this one and the location and the score worked well at the right moments. I didnt really like the echo effect with the axe...I'd rather have something that would add speed to it with more blood and gore but that's just me.
The acting was very decent and the lead was quite convincing.
However, I wouldnt ask for a feature. I would ask for a 3minute version instead.
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With more time I would have done then end scene alot gorier. We ran out of light both days filming it....but I agree it could have been much better. As for just a three minute one....I dunno....I like doing shots just setting up mood....but perhaps thats wasteful of the time alotted. Oh well. Thanks for the complements though.
Overall: This film had a ‘Chainsaw’ feel about it, apart from the script/ audio I think you captured something I haven’t seen in many movies - Eeriness/ nastiness. I think if you would have had a solid script you would have shocked people more. It’s a very interesting piece. You’ve got a really nice developing style here. Look forward to more of your work.
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Chainsaw like? Hey thats cool...thanks. Eeriness is definately something I wanted. I agree with you about the script, and sound. Next time around will be better. Thanks for the comments.

I think you're not too far from a nice film.
The story seemed undeveloped in this version and completely let me down. I
have high hopes that you'll continue with this one and not let the great footage
go to waste!

Still, pretty juicy feel goin' on here!
Click to expand...

I'm glad you liked the look. We were lucky with the light....it wasnt quite as I'd planned for...but turned out alright. Those locations are capable of looking a hell of alot cooler though. I worked at that farm for 5 years and there can be some amazing scenery. Amazingly disgusting too I guess. I have alot more footage from this so I suppose I could finish a better version. The whole film has kinda left a sour taste in my mouth so I dont really like to look at it, but want to move on and film something I'm happy with. Thanks for the complements though.
 
I thought there were a lot of great shots in this and I thought that the performances were very real and I think that and the slice of life documenetary feel of the openning added a lot to the suspense for me.
 
Hey cool Jack...I'm glad it worked for you in those areas. For you to say "great shots" means alot. Next time I'll make sure the whole thing is up to snuff. Thanks for the comments.
 
you got the shooting down well just use more lighting and editing. and a tighter story. also the acting felt good and bad someties work on it and you got something. but overall lacking but could improve.
 
I worked on a farm for a few years when I was younger although
not directly with dairy or beef. Oddly enough I can still remember that smell, haha. Thanks for the memories.

The acting was on for me and seemed totally normal and real. There are a few movies in the fest that I would not want to watch if I was smoking weed (not that I do) for the sheer creep factor and this is one of them. Having been around farms and farmers, how do I say, they just aren't like city folk, the ending just plain creeped me out. The bit with the hand also and the overall hacking.
I think you did it in such a this-is-really-happening way without over-the-top music that it actually made it more real for me. I actually said 'ooooo' when that guy's hand got lopped, and sort of felt it a bit. I have no beefs (pun) with this short. I think you successfully accomplished the horror assignment and succeeded in creeping me out in a 'psychotic' and real kind of way.

Congrats and good luck in the fest. (Sorry for taking so long getting here.) -gordo.
 
Hey Weston, Congratulations on your work and your film. You brought some excellent elements to this fest that no one else did!

Best of luck to you. I appreciate the conversations that we've had!

Been fun!

Ted
 
This has a great look. Great locations. For me, though, the beginning moves awfully slowly, which I don't like so much when you only have 6 minutes to tell the entire story (and when I have like 60 movies to watch :) ).

What I really liked about this was that it all felt very organic, very natural, very real. Good job with that.
 
Yeah, this was an awful lot of farming to go through to get to the good stuff. I don't funnly get what happened, why a killer showed up, who he was, anything...

Me == confused.
 
Just finally getting the time to copy the notes I compiled in a Word doc while watching the shorts:

Sorry, Weston … I wanted to like this more than I did, but I felt like I was watching a behind the scenes on the farm … or like a Discovery Channel episode where we follow this guy around the farm doing this job, talking to his co-workers, etc. Then at the end he just gets butchered by the crazy guy with the axe. Very little build up, so nothing to really scare me, other than a bit of a pop when the guy first crosses camera, though we’re somewhat expecting something there because it’s tended to be the trend (Even in our film we had a quick cross between the talent & the camera). Anyway, as far as a documentary/BTS piece it would have been great because it felt very real … meaning the talent did a great job as well at just looking the part, acting the part, etc.
 
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