Hábito

Fascinating movie! Apparently Larry Fessenden is someone to keep an eye on, as his past work (some short films) has been critically acclaimed at Cannes. I don't know how Habit was received, but it is awesome. It takes a familiar theme (vampire/sex/etc.) and completely distorts it into an unexpected, unparalleled cinematic treat. Sort of like a grown up Lost Boys, without the cheesiness. The performances are mesmerizing (Larry himself play the David Yow look-a-like lead alcoholic), the camera work is intriguing, the overall creepy-yet realistic mood all work together to make this a must-see movie for anyone who hates mundane, mainstream fluff.

This film isn't for people who want wooden stake sticking action. A lot of people will find it very slow. But I found it to be one of the most interesting films that I have ever seen. It vampirism is mostly a sub-plot here. Mainly it is about this guy, Sam, who works at a bar, and who meets this girl after recently breaking up from his girlfriend. The movie talks about lust, betrayal, love, seduction, and frienship. It is filmed with great cinematography. I am not talking about sweeping landscapes, but I am talking about how things around you can look like they are collapsing on you when you start getting paranoid that you have this weird illness. A very good quality picture. I loved it, and I highly recommend it to people who want to see real characters will some real problems.

The cover box tricked me. Ebert liked it. The director/actor/writer won a "One to Watch" Spirit Award. Many have voted positively on this film. I don't understand. This low budget movie looks like a student film but lacks the passion or integrity any mid-level college project possesses. Don't see this film. If you do -- don't blame me -- I warned you.

I love this movie. Fessenden's camera is relentless and surprising - likewise with his edit - he is simple, unique, and engaging - like a down-beat Cassavetes, he works on small impulses and real urban rhythms - while not perfect,the film is dreamily shaggy, a creepy joy every step of the way. beautifuly realized (great art-direction and photography) - this and Ferara's "The Addiction" make a great po-mo NY vampire double bill. BRAVO!

Fessenden embodies much that is great about no-budget, maverick filmmaking. I appreciated his color palette of browns and blacks, and like Polanski's `Repulsion' he manages to place you into the heart of a character on a downward spiral while referencing back to the vampire film. The lingering question for much of the film is, simply, is he going bonkers because of emotional stress or is she a blood sucking vampire draining him dry?

Wisely, Fessenden avoids any overt references to vampirism for almost the entire film, allowing the viewer to determine what is happening. He avoids the clumsy exposition which populates so many films. In a brief moment when Sam encounters his ex at a Halloween party, they make no reference to breaking up or ever having been together; he simply asks her how her apartment hunt is going and offers to help her move, and the way theyinteract says it all. The film is filled with moments like this.

It also helps that the film is shot in such a creepy way, giving the mundane aspects of his life a jolt. The major setpieces at a masked Halloween party or at a carnival evoke mystery and dread without resorting to vampires jumping out at you.