Puritan

I drove all the way from Birmingham to enjoy the Frightfest Festival over the bank holiday weekend, and I have to say I was disappointed with some of the films, there was a degree of childishness to them, but I was relieved to to see Puritan, as it was a real treat.

I had planned not to watch it, as was starving, but then i thought I had to get my money's worth for the weekend pass I had gotten.

So i sat down and watched the director introduce the film, and was really hypnotised by the lyrical beauty of this film.

Its is quite poetic, intelligent and atmospheric to the hilt. I loved the very calm acting styles of all concerned, and the glorious visuals that encompassed this film.

The similarities to Alan Moore stories I spotted immediately but that was a good thing, as its not really a Moore type plot, in that it was a thriller at heart, and not really supernatural, although there is that element to it. I just have to say i really liked this movie.

Nick Moran held my attention as the fallen down hero who has to pick himself up again and start afresh, he has to purify himself, and the way in which that is achieved is incredibly shrewd and cunning.

A Top Film!

The moment you start watching Puritan you are sucked into a journey of cinematic style and intelligence.

Its patient with you and never lets you know too much, just enough to keep you watching and intrigued.

Film noir plots are things we are all used to, but the possibility of variations and manipulation in these plot lines are infinite, that is why they are so satisfying and watchable, and these variations are completely fulfilled in Puritan with an assured confidence.

I particularly admired the minimalist approach to framing and coverage. Only what is needed is shown and used, a very brave thing to attempt as it could have backfired, but in this case it succeeds in a film that is gratifying in its simplicity.

Superbly crafted film. A real surprise for me, I saw it at the LUFF screenings at the NFT. It is quite gorgeously photographed, the main colour being red, which is used throughout in very heavy shades, but this really works as it is counterpointed by deap heavy blacks. The film moves along in a very considered way, it reminded me of the steven soderbergh film 'sex, lies & videotape' in that regard.

The plot is quite multi layered in that it takes you along but you never know where you stand with it, at many points I thought I had figured its conclusion out but was double bluffed, and was wrong, so i enjoyed that aspect of it. The ending does come out of left field and I have to say i didn't really expect it, and was annoyed that I hadnt figured it out but was also pleased that it tricked me. It is the kind of film that you leave and think about for the rest of the evening. All in all an enjoyable film.

If anyone else has seen it, can you tell me the significance of the 'hand' Simon Puritan keeps drawing? This is something that I still have not figured out.

Great film, great direction. I managed to catch a screening of "Puritan" last year & really enjoyed it. It has a great atmosphere, looks slick and an impressive supporting cast. The narrative keeps you gripped until the end, with a few chills and twists along the way. David Soul plays an excellent and unexpected turn as a sly, possibly crooked public benefactor / philanthropist guru. Georgina Rylance is excellent as the love interest & extremely watch able. I found the film very reminiscent of the likes of 'Donnie Darko' with a dash of 'Angel Heart'. 'Puritan' has very much a film noir feel about it. Production design, camera and music should get a special mention. There are some moody sets and non-flashy, economical camera work, all backed up with a catchy and atmospheric score. I think this director could well be worth keeping an eye on in the near future.

Very Cool Flick! Saw this little beauty with my pals at the Frightfest festival in London. And I have to say to all my fellow film freaks and freakettes, this is a class act all the way.

The film just for starters looks just goddamned gorgeous, you could take any frame of it and hang it in a gallery, i just loved the use of colours, red, red and oh yeah...red. Just beautifully atmospheric and stunning.

Moran holds the film together on his broad acting shoulders, I have wondered what happened to this dude over the years since the whole lock stock scenario, but he has come back with a really strong movie. Ms Georgina Rylance is a major hottie and a great actress to boot, but its the HUTCH man himself who steals the show, with a rip roaring performance as the evil Eric Bridges. This dude is totally underused, someone please cast him in something else.

The director is assured and his framing is solid, composed and powerful, he would fit right in to making commercials, cut from the same cloth as Ridley Scott, Alan Parker et al: but his film has a lot more depth than those 2 guys, am I exaggerating? No. I think this young gent is one to watch.

Go and watch it, but make sure you are concentrating as it needs your full attention, a real high class film noir!