Third Contact

Once again, we've had an amazing independent screener submitted for review. It's a cryptic character driven melancholy portrait of depression, loss and death called Third Contact. The film is a moving experience that not only qualifies as cinema but could also be considered a masterful piece of art with its poetic use of mystery and dialogue, all the while building a distinct sense of desperation.

Where most independent films might fail, Third Contact overwhelmingly succeeds. Unlike many other independent films, it is not a self indulgent work but instead works to it's strong points by maintaining a great use of music and color as the film varies in it's use of black and white film then shifts to strikingly vivid flashbacks. Even more impressive is it's feature length of one hour and thirty five minutes while skillfully manipulating the attention of the viewer.

When this gets a release to the web or digital format, we would definitely like to post a link to allow our readers to see this film. We absolutely enjoyed this unique film that chronicles a mysterious death and one man's struggle to find closure. Third Contact is one of the best screeners we've had the chance to review and would strongly suggest seeing it.

-Chris George www.themoviesleuth.com

I usually go to big budget movies with low expectations and more often than not, those expectations have been well justified. Conversely, I always have higher expectations of low budget indie movies because from my experience the independent filmmaker is working primarily out of his/her love of the movie making process which usually (but not always)results in Art.

When I first saw the Youtube trailer for Third Contact I was immediately captivated and suspected that I might be in for a treat and couldn't wait to attend the London Premiere on the BFI IMAX screen. I did attend and was not disappointed. I usually judge movies, not by any deep analysis but by the initial impact the movie has on me after the credits have gone up. Hiroshima Mon Amour, Woman in the Dunes, La Jetee and more recently Primer have all made deep impressions on me. I can now include Third Contact in that list. I really, really want to see this film a second and third time. My most recommended for 2013 thus far!

My introduction to Simon Horrocks' film, Third Contact, did not occur from the hype of an awesome trailer or word of mouth. Instead, it came from a seemingly rare mannerly invitation from Mr. Horrocks himself when he tweeted "I politely request you watch this trailer" with a link. How could I not? From that moment on, I knew this film was something special.

When watching the live-stream of the film's big screen premiere, I was engrossed in the gripping plot and, unlike some indie films, the fact that the film was shot on a micro-budget was not obvious. To be reminded that the film was shot on a budget of GBP 4,000 leaves one amazed at the feat Mr. Horrocks achieved.

The film is dark and keeps this transfixion over the viewer which isn't apparent until after the film when you are reflecting on what you have just seen. The film is mind-bewildering as one learns more with Dr. Wright as he searches for answers as to why suicides are occurring. The film is emotional on a level that solidifies the viewers' attachment with what is going on.

Third Contact is a diamond in the rough and a film I readily call a must-see. What Mr. Horrocks has done is a testament to his artistic brilliance and resourcefulness in producing a film that, in my opinion, humbles multi-million dollar Hollywood movies.

I had the great pleasure of viewing this amazing little title after a seemingly random invitation via Twitter.

The one constant that I have read online and personally experienced is what a surprisingly polished looking (and sounding) final product Horrocks has produced. Anyone who isn't an avid fan of micro budget indie film will be the first to tell you digital video doesn't look professional and is distracting. I tend to agree. I can't usually get absorbed into films like Inland Empire simply because of the format they are shot on. This is where Horrocks has done something rare and spectacular by making his budgetary restrictions really work for him.

From the opening scene the film is instantly engaging and enthralling. The subject matter is challenging and not for everyone but rewarding nonetheless. The locations all look hauntingly familiar and yet skewed, like a bizarre dream. The score is superb and didn't rely on bombastic fanfare to elevate every key scene. The cast, especially Tim Scott- Walker did a fantastic job with the complex material and should be applauded for making some of these odd-ball characters so believable.

There were a couple of lines in places with slightly clunky delivery but beyond that, I cannot find fault anywhere. Would it have benefited from having a much larger budget? Probably but It wouldn't make it any more or less watch-able. It's refreshing to see a director proving that buckets of cash aren't necessary to make a brilliant film, just a great story and a dedicated cast/crew.

This is a definitely a director to watch out for. I imagine he could continue making little indie gems like this or move seamlessly on to big productions like Lynch or Nolan. I highly recommend anyone who loves film to seek this out.

I am a huge fan of indie film. I vastly prefer them to most of what comes out of Hollywood as they tend to be far more creative in terms of script and story and characters, and as they don't have huge budgets, then the makers have got to get creative with certain things. Sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn't. Here is an example of where it absolutely does.

Trying to explain this film to someone would be quite an impossible task. The best way to describe it is as a deep and involving psychological film with a few shades of Darren Aronofsky's "Pi", which is indeed an accomplishment in itself. The fact that this is a British film that doesn't involve gritty gangs and gangsters is also impressive, as all that tends to come from the British film industry is that or period pieces really. Which can get tiresome after a while.

This is a very important piece of film and it is showing that the indie film scene is getting more and more creative with each passing day, and it is hugely important to invest in such a thing to keep the creativity going.

If this film gets a screening near you, I absolutely urge you to go and see it. The performances, the black and white slight shakiness, the dialogue, the script, the direction - it is all truly a work of art. The director Si Horrocks is clearly on a mission to make good films and show the world that it can be done with very little, and in that mission he has completely succeeded. I personally can not wait to see what he does next.