FAT MONSTER FILMS presents "O2" ... Every. Breath. Counts.
- Thread starter Mark Johnson
- Start date
Noah
Well-known member
This was the first DVXuser fest movie that while watching it I thought "Hey, this actually looks like a real movie!" The twist at the end was a very nice, heartwarming surprise. I agree with Macgregor that the acting at some points was a bit questionable - other than that, great job!
Jason Ramsey
Admin
Akira:
http://www.dvxuser.com/V6/showthread.php?t=138745
Ok, guys... The execution and the production value here, was of course flawless to my eyes. I'm not one to comment there, so I'll leave that for others. You guys set the bar for production value, and I've come to expect nothing less in that arena.
I thought overall, this was the best use of the 6 minutes from you guys so far, though I still felt it seemed a bit fat... Too much for that little time.
On the flip side, it was a pretty simple premise and you executed it well within the given time frame.
Though, this was also a piece that you really could have delved more into the characters, and I would love to see you guys focus stronger on that than on plot one of these times. This story was one of those times you could have.
Don't get me wrong, the characters were all well established and I got it. but, there is a lot of struggle in that decision, and a lot of conflict between each of those characters, and rather than focusing on getting so much plot in, I think you could have thinned out some areas in that regard, and given it to character conflict, both internal conflict with the decisions they are making, and external conflict of looking over their shoulder, etc, etc.
Don't have much to say. execution and production value again was great and you guys are ready for the big time in that regard. I'd just like to see a little less focus on plot and a little more focus on character in one of your future films.
By far your best all around entry.
Later,
Jason
http://www.dvxuser.com/V6/showthread.php?t=138745
Ok, guys... The execution and the production value here, was of course flawless to my eyes. I'm not one to comment there, so I'll leave that for others. You guys set the bar for production value, and I've come to expect nothing less in that arena.
I thought overall, this was the best use of the 6 minutes from you guys so far, though I still felt it seemed a bit fat... Too much for that little time.
On the flip side, it was a pretty simple premise and you executed it well within the given time frame.
Though, this was also a piece that you really could have delved more into the characters, and I would love to see you guys focus stronger on that than on plot one of these times. This story was one of those times you could have.
Don't get me wrong, the characters were all well established and I got it. but, there is a lot of struggle in that decision, and a lot of conflict between each of those characters, and rather than focusing on getting so much plot in, I think you could have thinned out some areas in that regard, and given it to character conflict, both internal conflict with the decisions they are making, and external conflict of looking over their shoulder, etc, etc.
Don't have much to say. execution and production value again was great and you guys are ready for the big time in that regard. I'd just like to see a little less focus on plot and a little more focus on character in one of your future films.
By far your best all around entry.
Later,
Jason
Of course had to watch this one first. It sets a pretty high bar for the rest.
On many levels it's as good as the 6 minutes out of a lot of big features. It looks amazing, and the actors were strong. A really haunting and emotional reveal at the end.
Dare I say there were missed dramatic opportunities. With so much going for it, the film still could have gone a little farther to maximize its potential. It comes down to the script for the most part--and yes, hindsight is 20/20. Spoilers:
I mean, didn't the guy who survives overhear the entire conversation? And from what he and we heard, he was going to be "removed" from the situation. I wanted more heightened emotion here (without melodrama). It just felt like it went a bit flat at what I think is an otherwise terrifying moment. I would love to have played a bit with what it would feel like to hear that. Know that your friends feel that. You did suggest a love interest from him to the woman, obviously unrequited, and so I'm not sure how I felt about the way in which you had her use that in the last minute. It was a bit confusing or vague. There was no emotional punch to this "confrontation" between a beautiful woman and the man who loves her but can't have her. I know, that's a lot to carry in a few looks and lines.
The evil smiles she delivered sort of over-sold their devious plan...which of course doesn't turn out to be devious at all. Who'd smile in either case! But then she delivers a great performance in the end, so I feel the direction could have got a more consistent performance from her. I'm sure you had a lot to think about with all that cool smoke and great camera-work. So I am just being picky...but if I saw this on TV or in a theatre, I'd be thinking these thoughts.
On many levels it's as good as the 6 minutes out of a lot of big features. It looks amazing, and the actors were strong. A really haunting and emotional reveal at the end.
Dare I say there were missed dramatic opportunities. With so much going for it, the film still could have gone a little farther to maximize its potential. It comes down to the script for the most part--and yes, hindsight is 20/20. Spoilers:
I mean, didn't the guy who survives overhear the entire conversation? And from what he and we heard, he was going to be "removed" from the situation. I wanted more heightened emotion here (without melodrama). It just felt like it went a bit flat at what I think is an otherwise terrifying moment. I would love to have played a bit with what it would feel like to hear that. Know that your friends feel that. You did suggest a love interest from him to the woman, obviously unrequited, and so I'm not sure how I felt about the way in which you had her use that in the last minute. It was a bit confusing or vague. There was no emotional punch to this "confrontation" between a beautiful woman and the man who loves her but can't have her. I know, that's a lot to carry in a few looks and lines.
The evil smiles she delivered sort of over-sold their devious plan...which of course doesn't turn out to be devious at all. Who'd smile in either case! But then she delivers a great performance in the end, so I feel the direction could have got a more consistent performance from her. I'm sure you had a lot to think about with all that cool smoke and great camera-work. So I am just being picky...but if I saw this on TV or in a theatre, I'd be thinking these thoughts.
Marlon Ladd
Veteran
Okay, Mark, WTF??!! LOL. Are you kidding me? The production was out of this world. That was some straight-up Sci-Fi channel stuff, but not in a cheezy way. I'm too impressed with how you guys pulled it together. I thought the lighting was top notch and I did like the story. The acting was pretty good overall and I agree, you guys have really raised the bar to a whole different level.
krestofre
Knight of the Holy Order
Very, very impressed. The quality of this film is through the roof. Directing, sound, art design, cinematography, acting. All top notch.
Leading up to the ending I was thinking "Gee, this is an obvious plot line, so I bet they're going to switch it to where ... yep, they did." That being said, the actors did a fantastic job with it and I was emotionally moved by the situation even though I predicted it.
The effort that you guys put into this is awe inspiring and you deserve all of the accolades you have and will received. The talent pool that you brought together is miraculous and can, obviously, work magic. I don't know what I could add to the team, but maybe next time I'll make it to the Fat Monster headquarters just to watch and learn.
Leading up to the ending I was thinking "Gee, this is an obvious plot line, so I bet they're going to switch it to where ... yep, they did." That being said, the actors did a fantastic job with it and I was emotionally moved by the situation even though I predicted it.
The effort that you guys put into this is awe inspiring and you deserve all of the accolades you have and will received. The talent pool that you brought together is miraculous and can, obviously, work magic. I don't know what I could add to the team, but maybe next time I'll make it to the Fat Monster headquarters just to watch and learn.
gabrielflorit
Well-known member
Oh. So sad!!! I'll skip worshipping all the technical aspects - like out-of-this-world lighting, camera angles, props, acting, music, special effects - and instead focus on the story. I was thinking there was no way you guys could pull a surprise ending, not with the way the story was unfolding... and then you did. So sad! It made me cry - that moment, when she starts breaking down, and he says "It's OK - I love you", beautiful!!!
What a piece. Unbelievable talent.
What a piece. Unbelievable talent.
totitefilms
Well-known member
The best movie I've seen so far. Really nice acting, directing, and everything. Great job!
Danielleus
Well-known member
Holy Crap!!!!!
Mark Johnson
The Dude Abides
We've entered most of the fests so far. We haven't made a decision about future fests, but we certainly have learned a lot each time we've put something together. Thanks for watching.
I'm here at the Bullis home world. We just got back from taking my son to see HULK (which I surprisingly enjoyed a lot). We finally are going to get to download some films.
Woo hoo.
ConspiracyPenguin
Nosey Penguin
Jesus! That blew me out of my chair (almost literally with the sound on that title sequence). My expectations were high, and they were crushed, you really did a fantastic job on this one. You should be happy to know that even though I couldn't get the zips to work, and plan on retrying tomorrow, I downloaded a select few to watch tonight because I couldn't wait and yours was the second that finished and thus the second I watched (besides the two I wrote).
The VFX were to die for, the composition was stupendous (although I would expect no less after seeing Justin's name on the list). The lighting was very well done and the sets were beautiful. As were the shots and the acting (top notch, very believable). Your actree is very good, I loved her in Where The Heart Lies and here as well. Now for the story:
[SPOILERS]
I really liked the story. I, personally, love twists. Especially ones like the one you used where after seeing it you realize that you were nevr lied to, you just bought the first and most believeable option. What I mean is, no one ever said directly "we are killing him because there is only enough oxygen for the two of us." so I didn't feel jipped, I felt like I had been led on which (in a movie :grin
is a good thing for me. The ending was good as well, I liked how he really didn't know what to make of the whole situation yet and then you go to black.
[/SPOILERS]
You are going to do an extended cut, right? Maybe a feature? If so, I would love to see it and actually I would love to help out in any way I can. You guys really outdid yourselves this time, and I wish you nothing but the best of luck in this fest and in everything!
Thanks for sharing this wonderful piece with me.
The VFX were to die for, the composition was stupendous (although I would expect no less after seeing Justin's name on the list). The lighting was very well done and the sets were beautiful. As were the shots and the acting (top notch, very believable). Your actree is very good, I loved her in Where The Heart Lies and here as well. Now for the story:
[SPOILERS]
I really liked the story. I, personally, love twists. Especially ones like the one you used where after seeing it you realize that you were nevr lied to, you just bought the first and most believeable option. What I mean is, no one ever said directly "we are killing him because there is only enough oxygen for the two of us." so I didn't feel jipped, I felt like I had been led on which (in a movie :grin
is a good thing for me. The ending was good as well, I liked how he really didn't know what to make of the whole situation yet and then you go to black.[/SPOILERS]
You are going to do an extended cut, right? Maybe a feature? If so, I would love to see it and actually I would love to help out in any way I can. You guys really outdid yourselves this time, and I wish you nothing but the best of luck in this fest and in everything!
Thanks for sharing this wonderful piece with me.
Very cool flick. Production value... damn I'm jealous. And that ending was a nice twist.
One aspect that stuck out for me - that seems small but just felt so perfect - is the freeze frame on the video message... it feels real and is just a great subtlety. Anyhow, the little touches like this littered throughout the film just add to the atmosphere and environment, making it that much more convincing.
Great job!
One aspect that stuck out for me - that seems small but just felt so perfect - is the freeze frame on the video message... it feels real and is just a great subtlety. Anyhow, the little touches like this littered throughout the film just add to the atmosphere and environment, making it that much more convincing.
Great job!
Moojangles
Well-known member
wow... 10/10 from me. I loved every second. Battlestar Galactica/Firefly eat your heart out! Amazing job guys! I'd pay to see more.
I downloaded all the zips and only because the lag in dl did I not watch this first.
Talk about an ambitious piece. I just spent the first run with my mouth open on the visuals. Utterly fantastic DP work here. The acting was great as was every composition in this piece - nothing IMO could be faulted. Great viewing for sure.
I think it could have been a result of the visuals being of such high standard that some of the green screen shots didnt give me the same tingly feeling. The main culprit for me was at 0.13. Though the interior cabin shots were great.
The dialogue was strong - and the story wasnt bad, just felt a bit predictable. I guess when you make a short within such tight confines with great action the time left for character has to be cut a little.
Talk about an ambitious piece. I just spent the first run with my mouth open on the visuals. Utterly fantastic DP work here. The acting was great as was every composition in this piece - nothing IMO could be faulted. Great viewing for sure.
I think it could have been a result of the visuals being of such high standard that some of the green screen shots didnt give me the same tingly feeling. The main culprit for me was at 0.13. Though the interior cabin shots were great.
The dialogue was strong - and the story wasnt bad, just felt a bit predictable. I guess when you make a short within such tight confines with great action the time left for character has to be cut a little.
Gohanto
Veteran
Finally watched it a second time and I'm still blown away by how many things just clicked in this film. This is one of the very few films I've seen on dvxuser where it truly looks 100% professional. A lot of films I make suggestions about mistakes that make it obviously it wasn't done by a real cast and crew, but with this... I would've watched this on TV and assumed it cost a small fortune. Great job making this, but I do have a few comments...
SPOILERS
It did feel kinda rushed especially at the beginning, and I think this would've made for a much better longer film. Setting up the scene with Trevor at the controls and Natalia outside, imho, should've taken more time, so the audience gets oriented before meteor hits the ship. Building up the tension with her outside and the controls flashing would've been much more tense. Same goes with how fast they bring her back.
Cutting out to the ship exteriors was a very professional move and added a lot to keeping the pace moving between scenes.
Maybe it's just me, but after Natalia injects him, it just didn't ring true for me. An excellent performance, but watching it a few times I think it might've worked better if her husband put an arm around her or something to clue in the real reason.
Lighting was absolutely amazing throughout. Gotta love smoke. Ending "pull back, crane up" shot was excellent.
SPOILERS
It did feel kinda rushed especially at the beginning, and I think this would've made for a much better longer film. Setting up the scene with Trevor at the controls and Natalia outside, imho, should've taken more time, so the audience gets oriented before meteor hits the ship. Building up the tension with her outside and the controls flashing would've been much more tense. Same goes with how fast they bring her back.
Cutting out to the ship exteriors was a very professional move and added a lot to keeping the pace moving between scenes.
Maybe it's just me, but after Natalia injects him, it just didn't ring true for me. An excellent performance, but watching it a few times I think it might've worked better if her husband put an arm around her or something to clue in the real reason.
Lighting was absolutely amazing throughout. Gotta love smoke. Ending "pull back, crane up" shot was excellent.
Last edited: