Lipton Cockton in the Shadows of Sodoma

Jari Halonen is perhaps most personal Finnish filmmaker. His second movie takes place in future Vladivostok, where people try to survive after worldwide catastrophe.

Main character is Lipton Cockton, as surface typical cyberpunk-detective in his worn-out coat. But as person, he's combination of Harrison Ford from Blade Runner and Tim Curry from Rocky Horror Picture Show. With his combat cock he is sent to solve the series of mysterious murders.

Film is visually very stylish, something you would imagine the world after destruction would seem. You should also remember, that Halonen had very limited budget when filming this, as Finnish filmmakers always have. Zero budget has always been good test for director; you really have to use your imagination instead of money - and in that Halonen succeeds perfectly.

As story, Lipton Cockton is very symbolic. I think, Halonen is trying to say something about sexuality and manhood, but all this is done very unsure way. It seems like Halonen is afraid to do something really bold... Now there is lot of lost potential. And that's always sad.

In "Lipton Cockton in the Shadows of Sodoma", it is year 2037 and people mysteriously explode in the peripheric city of Vladivostok, part of the United Europe. A top detective, Lipton Cockton, is sent there to investigate this crime wave. The movie goes a bit strange and funny, but this film is not to be taken too seriously. Still, the sets and models are quite good for an indie film like this, they succeed in creating the ragged and dirty atmosphere of future Vladivostok.

Vladivostok, the far eastern border on the European Federation. A stunning mystery of self-exploding men and women... And as Lipton Cockton, a private eye and a tough guy, solves these mysteries he also finds the way to his inner self.

A real collage of feverish narration, cheap special effects, dark humour and several nearly-perfectly lit scenes with magnificent colours.

But remember. This is not a movie that should - by any means - be taken too seriously.

If you ever have a chance, do yourself a favor and watch this movie! Seriously...