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Film & TV on DVD - John Doe News & Reviews

 
Greetings Film Fiends and welcome to John Doe's Film Blog. 30 years of dedicated celluloid obsession has meant that I have seen a few films. Drawing attention to some of the lesser discussed gems that I love. Cult classics, obscure curios and quality genre pictures. This blogs purpose is to translate some of my passion for these films and with luck, inspire you the reader to go check em out.

May (2002)

September 4th 2006 03:52
May

May
DVD Cover
Writer/Director:Lucky McKee
Starring:Angela Bettis, Jeremy Sisto, Anna Farris, James Duvall
Length:93 Mins


This unsettling, emotional horror film by first time Director Lucky McKee (The Woods) gained instant recognition within the genre. Favourably described as a hybrid between Carrie and Frankenstein, this entry has a lot to offer discerning horror fans sick of teen slashers and remakes.

A warped childhood has made May Dove Canady (Angela Bettis) a socially awkward, maladjusted young lady who strives to fit in. Lonely, shy and introverted she manages to get a job working in a veterinary surgery.

She meets a pretty boy (Jeremy Sisto), dips her toe in with a pretty girl (Anna Farris) and tries to establish “normal” friendship and love. A serious lack of practical human contact and the occasional self mutilation means that things are never going to be sugar, spice and all things nice.



John Doe says:(9/10)
Flying below the mainstream radar, this beautiful and disturbing film really inspires me that the future of horror may be bright in the underground market.

Opening with a jarring image that foreshadows what’s to come, the first half of the film is an exercise in uncomfortable emotional comedy, not laugh out loud funny, more a snicker to a giggle. (Think Terry Zwigoff’s Ghost World.) Gradually, as the story progresses and we are drawn into the weird and wacky world through May’s eyes, we begin to empathise and reluctantly understand her.

For me this is where the power of the film lies, I really truly cared for May. Once you give a shit, this increases the tension 100 fold. It’s completely due to Angela Bettis’ (TV’s Carrie) tour de force performance. She manages to make this psychologically fragile, socially inept and obviously weird character fully rounded and surprisingly sympathetic.

Jeremy Sisto (Thirteen) too is in top form and for eye candy with a sprinkling of lesbian love Anna Farris (Lost in Translation) fills the role of her career.

The film is driven along by deliberate editing, restrained cinematography and an eclectic soundtrack featuring the likes of The Breeders. Not to everyone’s taste, this under seen and largely ignored quirky future cult classic is an original and unique experience that will get under your skin and haunt you.


The DVD:
Presented in Widescreen and Dolby Digital 5.1 the DVD package also comes with two entertaining and informative commentary tracks that will satisfy and amuse fans of the film.


May
Ok Class, this is my best and only friend. Say hello, now!



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Comments
4 Comments. [ Add A Comment ]

Comment by Cibbuano

September 4th 2006 23:18
that looks really interesting... good recommendation!


Comment by JohnDoe

September 4th 2006 23:49
Thanks Cib.

Track a copy down, I dont think youll be disappointed. You will get a kick out of clever little nods to Dario Argento and George A Romero.



Comment by Nathan 1

April 5th 2008 01:51
This film was really difficult to watch at times and not because of the violence or gore (which was kind of purposeful and so less disturbing). Her social awkwardness with Adam was to much much to bare, especially when he was trying to give her the brush off and she kept calling him. With the kind of character she was I thought I'd feel sorry for her, but because she was the epitome of awkward the pity gave way to just plain sadness. I'm sure anyone who watches this film will recognise a part of themselves in May which is great, because it bridges the gap between weird and normal. I did feel sorry for Adam at times, as in real life the kind of situations he was in would have been seriously difficult to deal with. Nice recommendation, hopefully more people will become aware of this film.

Comment by JohnDoe

April 5th 2008 02:07
Hi Nathan 1,

Great to see another fan of this monumental horror that still remains an obscurity.

Totally agree with your assessment which is very similar to my own verdict....a character based emotional horror with few equals.

Thanks for the thoughtful comment and support Nathan.

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