Distant Shadow

Great direction, cast, and story. This story touched my heart so strong especially at the end of the story. Normally, I do not cry when I watch films but this one touched my deep feelings. I strongly recommend to watch it.

Strong and inventive contributions from production designer Paul Combellack and cinematographer Jon Ford are laid low by a screenplay which manages to become increasingly preposterous as this English-made film progresses. The storyline involves a massive effort by an unidentified and obviously incompetent government agency to recover a stolen computer tape that contains a bureaucratic program to spread AIDS among sub-Saharan Africans. Battling against this force of evil are a young man and woman who put forth a heroic effort in repeatedly dodging countless rounds fired at close range from semi-automatic weapons by terminally imbecilic and largely doomed gunmen of the state. As the primary government henchman, Trevor Byfield provides a performance replete with most of the properties of sleaze, and is obviously enjoying himself to the utmost. Director Howard J. Ford certainly has an artistic grasp upon how to create a film and the first portion of DISTANT SHADOW shows nary a dull moment; however, he apparently runs out of fresh concepts well past the point when the scenario fails him, and he cannot be faulted for that.

From the moment the classy opening sequence begins, I was gripped. This film reeks class and yet was made on a shoestring. The heroine (a very appealing Sandra Bullock lookalike) held my attention and sympathies throughout. There are some fine comedic cameos as well from Mark Little as the boarding house proprietor and Shane Ritchie as the laddish workmate of the heroine's hapless boyfriend. The camerawork throughout is very expert and Guy Michelmore's score is truly impressive with the Polish Radio Orchestra sounding as smooth as the LSO. Backed up with taut editing, some good shootouts and a tense torture sequence, Distant Shadow is cracking Friday evening viewing. I got a bit confused with the Government plot but you expect a bit of fog on a good thriller. Howard Ford is clearly a director to watch out for on this his second feature. What he achieved on this budget is awesome. Just think what he'll pull off with a Hollywood budget.

A really good film, strong cast, original story, excellent work by an obviously talented DOP (really good atmosphere). Loved the original music score (Guy Michelmore). Saw Howard J Ford's earlier film, Mainline Run, this is not nearly as gritty but a lot more polished. The film print does not do the content justice (don't take your next masterpiece there Mr Ford). Look forward to seeing more films like this from Adrenalin.