The Strange Case of Robert Hurley and the Missing Screenplay follows the crew of VM Productions after Robert Hurley disappears with a one-of-a-kind shooting script. At first, the crew is upset about the missing script and delay in shooting, but in their efforts to try to locate Robert Hurley, and subsequently the script, they run into a whole slew of unexpected conflicts and unsettling discoveries.
I saw this film at a private screening, and the company was very cordial and communicative in their sharing of this project. Once the film started playing, you get to see these personalities shine on screen, something not always center stage in the industry. This film highlights the amount of work and dedication the crew shows toward their projects and then offers an interesting mystery for them to solve.
What was meant to be a behind the scenes documentary turns into a chilling look into the occult and powerful mafia dealings. It all starts one day when the crew has a production meeting and waits for Robert Hurley to show up. Except he doesn't, and just that night Writer/Director Vitaly Sumin gave him a hand-written shooting script with notes to go over that day. Of course, this postpones shooting, as Sumin has to re-write the shooting script, so the crew problem-solves by opting to find Hurley themselves. At this point the story becomes incredibly unsettling, full of twists and turns. Danger lurks at every corner, and crew members are dropping like flies. I found myself getting sucked into the raw story as everything unfolded.
Through interactive cinematography and real reactions from the subjects, The Strange Case of Robert Hurley and the Missing Screenplay captures its audience from the very first frame. I found the fast-paced story unique and engaging with an almost interactive approach to the filmmaking. The camera is its own character, acting as a guide for the audience to experience the events unfolding as if they're part of the crew. It's incredibly immersive and becomes disturbing as the true story of Robert Hurley's mysterious disappearance unfolds, definitely worth the watch!
