Michael Anthony Horrigan
More Cowbell Pictures
It was actually around 5 minutes. 
There will be a 7 plus minute cut coming later.
There will be a 7 plus minute cut coming later.
"The Music Box" - a Michael Anthony Horrigan Film
- Thread starter Michael Anthony Horrigan
- Start date
Jason Ramsey
Admin
Kyser (Sorry, still know you as your old name )
I really enjoyed the style of this, and personally really enjoyed the color rendering that you chose for each scene.
I thought it was shot well and cinematically, and am still pretty blown away that this was a bare lens HV20.
On the acting:
Your lead female was pretty dang good and there is something very familiar about her. Can't put my finger on it yet.
The scene with her and the boyfriend in the bedroom towards the beginning was a bit over the top for me in execution. It becomes quite obvious that he is an ass monkey from the get go, so I think this might have played better had he just had one of those 3 or 4 venomous lines... Maybe, just "hey... get your ass back over here"... It went a little over the top with there being so much in that short few seconds (for me), and also going a little more minimal (besides having played against the obvious fact that he is an ass) I think might have helped to mask the weaker performance from him in contrast to the other two characters.
One other comment that I thought about after a 2nd viewing was is there some other way to get them in the bedroom? I know time might begin to become an issue, but maybe it's a bit too direct with her just being "can I show you something?" ? Perhaps, if they were chatting about the book, and a nice segue is... I know what book you need to read next... which is of course in the bedroom where the music box is...
So, they get to the bedroom and he can make reference to the music box to spark that last scene and her comments that she makes (which helped clear things up for me a lot on a second viewing) and leads us into the final moment as you have played it out, which plays nicely by the way...
I guess (trying to sum up my longwindedness) what I'm hinting at is that it seems that maybe it would have been nice if you could have explored a little less deliberate way to get them upstairs to the bedroom and the music box conv. to follow rather than her coming out of nowhere with the music box.
The inverse could be if you could somehow flesh a little more their relationship... and play it more as she wants to take him up there, she wants to kiss him, b/c she wants to see if he's "the one"... That could also be a compelling choice, and maybe that was your intention, but I didn't get it as it plays now.
Phew... sorry
Ok, about the "story". Once I watched it a second time, it made perfect sense, and I thought you executed and illustrated what you wanted to quite well.
You said you either "love it or hate it"... I'm neither right now... I'm just kinda holding my breath waiting for the next thing Maybe that's a good thing.
Anyways. I really enjoyed the look and what I saw as a lot of care taken in filming this thing to achieve the look and style that you wanted.
Kudos, and thanks to you as well for sharing your work with us. You've got some interesting stuff under your belt.
Thanks.
later,
Jason
)I really enjoyed the style of this, and personally really enjoyed the color rendering that you chose for each scene.
I thought it was shot well and cinematically, and am still pretty blown away that this was a bare lens HV20.
On the acting:
Your lead female was pretty dang good and there is something very familiar about her. Can't put my finger on it yet.
The scene with her and the boyfriend in the bedroom towards the beginning was a bit over the top for me in execution. It becomes quite obvious that he is an ass monkey from the get go, so I think this might have played better had he just had one of those 3 or 4 venomous lines... Maybe, just "hey... get your ass back over here"... It went a little over the top with there being so much in that short few seconds (for me), and also going a little more minimal (besides having played against the obvious fact that he is an ass) I think might have helped to mask the weaker performance from him in contrast to the other two characters.
One other comment that I thought about after a 2nd viewing was is there some other way to get them in the bedroom? I know time might begin to become an issue, but maybe it's a bit too direct with her just being "can I show you something?" ? Perhaps, if they were chatting about the book, and a nice segue is... I know what book you need to read next... which is of course in the bedroom where the music box is...
So, they get to the bedroom and he can make reference to the music box to spark that last scene and her comments that she makes (which helped clear things up for me a lot on a second viewing) and leads us into the final moment as you have played it out, which plays nicely by the way...
I guess (trying to sum up my longwindedness) what I'm hinting at is that it seems that maybe it would have been nice if you could have explored a little less deliberate way to get them upstairs to the bedroom and the music box conv. to follow rather than her coming out of nowhere with the music box.
The inverse could be if you could somehow flesh a little more their relationship... and play it more as she wants to take him up there, she wants to kiss him, b/c she wants to see if he's "the one"... That could also be a compelling choice, and maybe that was your intention, but I didn't get it as it plays now.
Phew... sorry
Ok, about the "story". Once I watched it a second time, it made perfect sense, and I thought you executed and illustrated what you wanted to quite well.
You said you either "love it or hate it"... I'm neither right now... I'm just kinda holding my breath waiting for the next thing
Maybe that's a good thing.Anyways. I really enjoyed the look and what I saw as a lot of care taken in filming this thing to achieve the look and style that you wanted.
Kudos, and thanks to you as well for sharing your work with us. You've got some interesting stuff under your belt.
Thanks.
later,
Jason
Gohanto
Veteran
Very nice job here, I really enjoyed this. The story is very interesting by itself, and the tie-in with the music box works wonderfully. The first bedroom scene is a little bit too claustrophobic for me, backing the camera up a bit I think would've made the scene a little bit more natural.
Acting was very good, especially the girls.
The kitchen scene i really liked the shots with the candle sticks and it made for interesting close-ups.
The ending was very good and I really like how you didn't cut inside after the boyfriend closed the door. However, I think throwing in a close-up of the knife in his hand as he's outside in the bedroom would've helped solidify the ending a bit more.
A lot of well executed dolly shots.
Nice work overall. Easily in my top 3 at the moment.
Acting was very good, especially the girls.
The kitchen scene i really liked the shots with the candle sticks and it made for interesting close-ups.
The ending was very good and I really like how you didn't cut inside after the boyfriend closed the door. However, I think throwing in a close-up of the knife in his hand as he's outside in the bedroom would've helped solidify the ending a bit more.
A lot of well executed dolly shots.
Nice work overall. Easily in my top 3 at the moment.
Michael Anthony Horrigan
More Cowbell Pictures
Jason, thanks so much! I've made notes of what you have said and will take a closer look. After seeing your entry I really appreciate that you enjoyed my movie.
Yup, it was 100% stock HV20, no additional lenses or adapters.
Gohanto, I've seen that you have commented in quite a few so I really appreciate the top 3 comment! I shot the entire thing a little tight, that was intentional since she was seeing it through the music box.
I thought about doing that with the letter opener but I thought seeing him holding it up to his head like he did outside the bedroom would be enough.
I really wanted the story to stand out as much as I could and I wanted the theme of Love to be strong. Sometimes the theme is a little overshadowed.
I think that viewers will get even more out of this the second time around if they see fit to watch it twice.
Thanks so much guys!
Gohanto, I'll be watching yours soon.
Cheers,
Yup, it was 100% stock HV20, no additional lenses or adapters.
Gohanto, I've seen that you have commented in quite a few so I really appreciate the top 3 comment! I shot the entire thing a little tight, that was intentional since she was seeing it through the music box.
I thought about doing that with the letter opener but I thought seeing him holding it up to his head like he did outside the bedroom would be enough.
I really wanted the story to stand out as much as I could and I wanted the theme of Love to be strong. Sometimes the theme is a little overshadowed.
I think that viewers will get even more out of this the second time around if they see fit to watch it twice.
Thanks so much guys!
Gohanto, I'll be watching yours soon.
Cheers,
Hi Mike,
Great that you got another film done. I know how challenging, yet fun, it is.
Unfortunately, I had some problems with the film. These comments are intended to be constructive.
I didn't really get the story. After reading your post, I know now what you intended, but I did not get the fact that the little girl was looking into the future. I thought she was looking into the past, partly because her nanny advises her to look into the music box, as if the nanny knew something the little girl didn't. Also, at a film 101 level, the fact that the girl looked to the left, and you panned to the left, suggest to me going back, as opposed to going forward. This is a western culture thing, related to our style of writing, ie some asian countries would take it the exact opposite.
In any case, I thought the girl was seeing her nanny's story, again the nanny's initial prompting suggested to me some involvement in the story. That was confusing.
Also, from reading your post, I now know that the neighbor was supposed to be the battered woman's "true love". That didn't come across at all to me. When they get together in the bedroom, I did not feel any love at all, but lust. Ironically, when the bad man came back into the house and found his partner with another man, I no longer felt for the woman, but felt sorry for the jerk! Maybe that's why he was such a jerk. He suspected all along his wife was a no good... who was bangin the neighbors whenever he was away. It is surprisingly easy to change an audience's perception of a character, and change their allegiance.
The closeup of the knife/letter opener, as mentioned already, was not necessary. It was such a jarring obvious insert, it takes you out of the moment, and screams: "This weapon is gonna be used soon, get ready!" If his weapon was more exotic or unexpected to find in an average suburban home, like a say an Amazonian dart gun, then setting it up subtly at the beginning might have been a good idea.
I personally did not like the desaturated, greenish color grading.
To sum up, I would have a hard time explaining this story to another person. I could guess, but as I mentioned earlier, my guess, was totally wrong from what you intended. It is fine that some films are open to different interpretations, but in those cases, the viewers are convinced their interpretation is the only correct one (rightly or not)
Anyhoo, sorry to sound so harsh and negative. There were certainly some good points, the camerawork, some of your framing, the actors for the most part, the music and sound. This was a very ambitious project, and as with all films, I'm sure you learnt alot. That's what these short films fests are all about, honing our craft.
You got talent! I look forward to your next film.
Great that you got another film done. I know how challenging, yet fun, it is.
Unfortunately, I had some problems with the film. These comments are intended to be constructive.
I didn't really get the story. After reading your post, I know now what you intended, but I did not get the fact that the little girl was looking into the future. I thought she was looking into the past, partly because her nanny advises her to look into the music box, as if the nanny knew something the little girl didn't. Also, at a film 101 level, the fact that the girl looked to the left, and you panned to the left, suggest to me going back, as opposed to going forward. This is a western culture thing, related to our style of writing, ie some asian countries would take it the exact opposite.
In any case, I thought the girl was seeing her nanny's story, again the nanny's initial prompting suggested to me some involvement in the story. That was confusing.
Also, from reading your post, I now know that the neighbor was supposed to be the battered woman's "true love". That didn't come across at all to me. When they get together in the bedroom, I did not feel any love at all, but lust. Ironically, when the bad man came back into the house and found his partner with another man, I no longer felt for the woman, but felt sorry for the jerk! Maybe that's why he was such a jerk. He suspected all along his wife was a no good... who was bangin the neighbors whenever he was away. It is surprisingly easy to change an audience's perception of a character, and change their allegiance.
The closeup of the knife/letter opener, as mentioned already, was not necessary. It was such a jarring obvious insert, it takes you out of the moment, and screams: "This weapon is gonna be used soon, get ready!" If his weapon was more exotic or unexpected to find in an average suburban home, like a say an Amazonian dart gun, then setting it up subtly at the beginning might have been a good idea.
I personally did not like the desaturated, greenish color grading.
To sum up, I would have a hard time explaining this story to another person. I could guess, but as I mentioned earlier, my guess, was totally wrong from what you intended. It is fine that some films are open to different interpretations, but in those cases, the viewers are convinced their interpretation is the only correct one (rightly or not)
Anyhoo, sorry to sound so harsh and negative. There were certainly some good points, the camerawork, some of your framing, the actors for the most part, the music and sound. This was a very ambitious project, and as with all films, I'm sure you learnt alot. That's what these short films fests are all about, honing our craft.
You got talent! I look forward to your next film.
Michael Anthony Horrigan
More Cowbell Pictures
Thanks! Well, I'm not one for explaining things, either you get it, or you don't. I will try a bit though.
Usually going from black and white to colour represents going from the past to a possible future. Film 101
Really... you felt sorry for the physically and emotionally abusive husband!??
I don't get that one, won't try to either. This obviously wasn't your cup of tea.
No biggie though! Thanks for watching.
Cheers,
Usually going from black and white to colour represents going from the past to a possible future. Film 101
Really... you felt sorry for the physically and emotionally abusive husband!??
I don't get that one, won't try to either. This obviously wasn't your cup of tea.
No biggie though! Thanks for watching.
Cheers,
Hey Mike,
After reading your response, I just wanted to clear up a possible misunderstanding. My reference to Film 101 was in no way intended as an insult. My bad for not being more clear. I was referring to the numerous film books and courses that offer "film theory". Frequently mentioned are the psychology of shots and the effect on an audience. I personally, find much of that to be mumbo jumbo. I just threw that out there as an example of "Film 101", and in no way was I suggesting your film or your abilities were at that level.
Regarding my other comments, dismiss at will, no offense taken. I too am not usually one to explain things, in this case I thought my comments might be helpful.
After reading your response, I just wanted to clear up a possible misunderstanding. My reference to Film 101 was in no way intended as an insult. My bad for not being more clear. I was referring to the numerous film books and courses that offer "film theory". Frequently mentioned are the psychology of shots and the effect on an audience. I personally, find much of that to be mumbo jumbo. I just threw that out there as an example of "Film 101", and in no way was I suggesting your film or your abilities were at that level.
Regarding my other comments, dismiss at will, no offense taken. I too am not usually one to explain things, in this case I thought my comments might be helpful.
Michael Anthony Horrigan
More Cowbell Pictures
No problem at all! I just thought going from black and white to colour was a bigger clue than which way she was looking.
This is going to be one of those movies for me, as I think most of my work is.
The post before yours mentions that I'm in their top 3...
Different strokes for different folks.
I actually agree with some of what you said and will take it heart, believe me.
Thanks again for posting! Sincerely.
Cheers,
This is going to be one of those movies for me, as I think most of my work is.
The post before yours mentions that I'm in their top 3...
Different strokes for different folks.
I actually agree with some of what you said and will take it heart, believe me.
Thanks again for posting! Sincerely.
Cheers,
Mike,
a lot of great stuff here. I liked how you handled the opening sequence. really nice way to go from flashback to present. The girl and the guy who comes to visit played well off each other. The little girls was very good in it.
Couple of technical things, the sound could have been cleaner for the dialogue particularly in the scene between them downstairs. The foreshadow cut to the letter opener made it seem like it was upstairs in the room with them and not on the downstairs table. That shot needed to be anchored more to the environment downstairs.
I like how you ended it, with leaving it open. It also built nicely while the abusive boyfriend waited outside the door. The shot composition overall was very strong, very good framing in general. I liked the film a lot and I look forward to seeing more of your work. (you also win for coldest location so far)
Jim
a lot of great stuff here. I liked how you handled the opening sequence. really nice way to go from flashback to present. The girl and the guy who comes to visit played well off each other. The little girls was very good in it.
Couple of technical things, the sound could have been cleaner for the dialogue particularly in the scene between them downstairs. The foreshadow cut to the letter opener made it seem like it was upstairs in the room with them and not on the downstairs table. That shot needed to be anchored more to the environment downstairs.
I like how you ended it, with leaving it open. It also built nicely while the abusive boyfriend waited outside the door. The shot composition overall was very strong, very good framing in general. I liked the film a lot and I look forward to seeing more of your work. (you also win for coldest location so far)
Jim
Michael Anthony Horrigan
More Cowbell Pictures
Awesome! Glad you really liked it. Especially the ending.
I had a lot of thought over what I was going to do there. I think I made the right choice.
We kept picking up a standard time radio frequency, which got worse every time I approached metal. Like the light stands and such. I really ought to post a sample. It was like... beep beep beep... the time is now... and of course it repeated every minute.
I had fun with that. Took a lot to get it out. Herman's mixing helped out a great deal as well.
Well, I show the same table early on in the film when he grabs his keys. I'll look at it again though.
Some wider shots would have really helped but I really wanted everything tight on this one. Still, I should try and clear that up so it's not an issue.
Thanks again for taking the time to watch and comment!
Cheers,
I had a lot of thought over what I was going to do there. I think I made the right choice.
We kept picking up a standard time radio frequency, which got worse every time I approached metal. Like the light stands and such. I really ought to post a sample. It was like... beep beep beep... the time is now... and of course it repeated every minute.
I had fun with that. Took a lot to get it out. Herman's mixing helped out a great deal as well.
Well, I show the same table early on in the film when he grabs his keys. I'll look at it again though.
Some wider shots would have really helped but I really wanted everything tight on this one. Still, I should try and clear that up so it's not an issue.
Thanks again for taking the time to watch and comment!
Cheers,
Robbie Comeau
Como's back. back again
I'm going to have to go with Jason on this one and call you Kyser, just cause I'm used to it, ESPECIALLY with all those PM'S I've been sending you in the past months...:thumbsup:
The film, was good. Acting, was great. The actors you chose really look like they put their heart out for this one.
The shots were well done as well. You use the HV20 eh? I thought you had the A1 on this one.
Audio was great to.
I know your films, tend to usually end in a dark way. (JOEL 3:15, and the one where the girl gets kidnapped (the same actor in this movie I believe)) and while the ending worked for those films (IMO) I still don't know if it does for this one, and I'm still deciding wether I like the ending or not.
The story was good though, don't get me wrong here. I'm just a little off by the ending, that's all.
Your films are a blast and I enjoy all the stuff you post.
I hope to see more from ya man,
Robbie
The film, was good. Acting, was great. The actors you chose really look like they put their heart out for this one.
The shots were well done as well. You use the HV20 eh? I thought you had the A1 on this one.
Audio was great to.
I know your films, tend to usually end in a dark way. (JOEL 3:15, and the one where the girl gets kidnapped (the same actor in this movie I believe)) and while the ending worked for those films (IMO) I still don't know if it does for this one, and I'm still deciding wether I like the ending or not.
The story was good though, don't get me wrong here. I'm just a little off by the ending, that's all.
Your films are a blast and I enjoy all the stuff you post.
I hope to see more from ya man,
Robbie
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Michael Anthony Horrigan
More Cowbell Pictures
Thanks, Como! Actually no, these were all new actors. Never worked with any of them before. Glad you liked it.
Cheers!
Cheers!
Wild Imagination Films
Well-known member
I felt the acting was the second weakest part of this film. The first was the dialog. It is too easy to make the boyfriend out to be a jerk by having him launch a volley of "F" bombs at the actress. His haircut and demeanor are a little on the stereotyped side for my taste as well. I will say this film gets the highest marks for the least believable kiss.
If we are to believe the young version of the girl saw the final scene in her music box years earlier, then why would she let it play out now?
After having seen your previous work, I was more than a little disappointed in this entry. Sorry.
If we are to believe the young version of the girl saw the final scene in her music box years earlier, then why would she let it play out now?
After having seen your previous work, I was more than a little disappointed in this entry. Sorry.
Michael Anthony Horrigan
More Cowbell Pictures
Who's to say what she saw HAS to take place?
Sorry you didn't like it. Thanks for watching though.
I knew going in (as I said to a few people in this forum) that this movie was going to be hit or miss with a lot of people.
I actually don't mind so much, I went out on a limb with this one.
I still stand by it though.
Cheers,
Hi Mike,
I came across an article today that I think might articulate more clearly one of the comments I made re. your film. The point I was trying to make was re. audience empathy, and Bill Martell sums it up pretty well. BTW, I visit his site daily for his writing tips, and would heartily recommend the site to anyone with an interest in writing screenplays.
http://www.scriptsecrets.net/tips/tip225.htm
I came across an article today that I think might articulate more clearly one of the comments I made re. your film. The point I was trying to make was re. audience empathy, and Bill Martell sums it up pretty well. BTW, I visit his site daily for his writing tips, and would heartily recommend the site to anyone with an interest in writing screenplays.
http://www.scriptsecrets.net/tips/tip225.htm
Michael Anthony Horrigan
More Cowbell Pictures
Thanks, just note one thing. I don't always stick to specific guidelines or rules when it comes to making movies. Except for the 180 rule and such. I've read quite a bit about it myself, I don't always agree with everything though.
If everyone stuck to the same formula while making a movie this would be a pretty dull Fest.
It does look like a good article though so I'll give it a look.
Thanks for bringing it to my attention.
Mike
If everyone stuck to the same formula while making a movie this would be a pretty dull Fest.
It does look like a good article though so I'll give it a look.
Thanks for bringing it to my attention.
Mike
Michael Anthony Horrigan
More Cowbell Pictures
I like dark films, although Robin the Spy was quite light and humourous. Great script by John LaBonney.
Should Stephen King start writing romance novels?
And no, I'm no Stephen King... just an example.
Sorry about the flooding problems dude!
tmnt
King of Australia
You didn't see Carrie?Should Stephen King start writing romance novels?
And no, I'm no Stephen King... just an example.
About the flooding, I'll be back in town hopefully tomorrow so that'll be interesting. Good news though, 3 people presumed very possibly dead are ok. I think there's some kind of curse when the films become available for download each fest - last time something happened too were I couldn't get em for a month or two.
Continued good luck with your flick Mike.
Michael Anthony Horrigan
More Cowbell Pictures
LOL! :grin: