The Prodigy

I was invited to their private screening in Dallas as a friend of a friend of a friend. I had no info on the film, so I didn't really know what to expect. My expectations were minimal. About a minute into it (very cool credit sequence hits), I realize that I was not about to watch your typical low-budget indie film. The Prodigy is one of the most intelligent thrillers I have seen at any budget level. The film tells the story of Truman Fisher (an incredible, A-list performance by Holt Boggs)a small time hood and the jaded anti-hero of the film. What he doesn't know is that he is being watched and studied by a legendary killer that we as the audience never see until the end. No, I'm not going to spoil it, but this film kept me guessing in disbelief with every turn. What impressed me the most, is the attention to detail that was paid to every element of the film. The acting, the fight scenes, the wardrobe, the visual style and last but not least, the script were so very specific and well thought out. In a genre that is known for being over the top and cheesy, especially at this level, it's the subtleties that put this film in a class by itself. The Prodigy is a thinking man's film, set in a genre that will entertain the most simple minded audience member. For a film trying to get out there and launch careers, this is the perfect vehicle for everyone involved. Bottom line, is this film was done for very little money, by a group of complete unknowns across the board. The Producer (Rucker) had to be some kind of miracle worker to help Kaufman pull this off. It resets the bar in my opinion of what is possible of film-making at this level. If this is truly his first film, then the William Kaufman is going to join the likes of great directors like Michael Mann, Walter Hill and David Fincher. I am a fan and can't wait to see what he does next.

The Prodigy is why we love Indie films. Studios are often too scared to produce fresh, dark and original stories like this one. As soon as the first bullets fly, you know your on a roller coaster from hell. And I for one didn't want to get off. The lighting and the look of the film works as another character in the movie. Scary, dark and brooding which is hard to pull off on 16mm. The Prodigy character is fantastic. He's the bogey man that has been lurking in the back of all of our minds since we were kids. Who is he? Is he the devil or God's militant dark angel Michael. The biblical references are numerous. The producers, director, cast and crew have delivered a perfect Indie film.

Needless to say, I can't wait for The Prodigy 2, 3, 4...I give this film 4.5 silver bullets.

Although I'm a little fatigued with the 'bullets and blood' shorts and features that are produced wholesale, I was genuinely stunned with the quality of this production. I have produced 10 shorts and 2 micro-budget features, so I feel the pain of being held back by monetary restrictions. Yet with this film I never once thought 'if only they had the funds and/or time to do that the right way'. If they would have announced the budget at 5 million, I would have said that it was money well spent. The cinematography was the best I have seen from a local production, the characters and acting were completely convincing, and the editing, pacing, and score were spot-on (if you notice any of these, then it becomes irritating) and did nothing to detract from the story…which I found refreshingly unique and richly layered. If I had a distribution company I would have signed them in the lobby after the screening.

I saw THE PRODIGY on its last night screening in Dallas and was delighted with the outcome. As an independent filmmaker myself, it was great to see such local talent (Both in front of and behind the camera) doing such wonderful jobs with a script that could have been very formulaic. A great job was done all round, from the overall quality of the film to the cast and crew, I really enjoyed this film and would be very surprised if it weren't picked up for distribution along the way. If you get the chance to see this film, I would not pass it up. You will be pleasantly surprised. There is more freshness and originality in this independent film than there is in most of the big studio films that are being thrown at us constantly. Great job to all involved!

I recently saw this film at it's premiere in Dallas, Texas at the Magnolia theater. I knew very little about it, other than it was some local filmmakers on a tight budget. I was impressed and blown away by the professional quality from the opening credits to the end of the film. The acting was top notch even from the bit players. The main character Truman was played with a level of sophistication that even some ultra-high budget film haven't been able to achieve with big name stars. Holt Boggs took a two-bit mob character that typically is overdone and delivered an outstanding performance showing the inner turmoil of a person suffering the consequences of actions inside and outside his control. The director has uncanny eye for action. The fight scenes are realistic and exciting without being over the top. I think the best way to sum up the whole movie is to say that in a genre that is either too overdone or too cheesy, this one is done just right. I hope this film is picked up, because I want to own my copy of the DVD as soon as it is released.