Doom House

This film is truly a low-budget masterpiece that should have the major studios "shaking in their boots." The compelling story of a young widower and his agonizing descent into madness -- prompted by the tenacious haunting of a nefarious figurine -- is propelled along by the chilling soundtrack, breathtaking special effects, and insightfully clever dialog. Richard Kyanka shows a unique ability to multitask as writer, director, and lead actor.

A true highlight of this film, however, is the brilliant work of Kevin Bowen, portraying a police officer who befriends the protagonist, but whose motives soon come into question. Undeterred by any mere plot twist or catflap, Bowen hits every mark and delivers every line with unparalleled pathos. Moviegoers should expect future brilliance from this young and versatile actor, who also put in some work as the film's co-director.

This is not a film to be missed, and we can only hope it will represent the beginning of a new era in the world of low-budget, independent film-making.

Psychological terror has never been easy to convey on film and only a elect few actors are able to visualise this through their actions and voice-words, Richard Kyanka is one of these. A performance reminiscent of James Caan in Misery or J.T. Walsh in any of the films he done.

The other leading role is played by the equally proficient Kevin Bowen. Playing a suspicious police officer that immediately asserts himself as a character that should not be taken at face value. You will see flashes of arrogant genius as pure as any seen in Tom Berenger's Sniper trilogy.

Technically this movie isn't going to win many prizes, but the prizes it does win will probably be deserved.

It's not often that one is treated to something as thought provoking and entertaining as Doom House, but that's what we've come to expect from Kyanka Bowen Productions.

The story begins with a scene of Reginald P. Linux arriving at his new house. Ever since his wife passed away, he had been looking for the perfect home to start fresh and leave behind his heartbreak and depression.

As the story unfolds, it becomes apparent that the house he had picked may not have been the wisest choice. Doom and terror follow, as Reginald P. Linux struggles to survive as things become stranger and stranger in his newfound home. I jumped out of my seat countless times while watching! With several plot-twists, suspenseful surprises, and special effects on par with some of the greatest films of the year; This movie is a no brainer must-have flick that belongs on the DVD shelf of anyone with a pulse. And don't let the budget fool you, this is one quality movie that is definitely worth your time and money.

Doom House is one of those films that you watch and stare at in awe. It's frank look at the human condition through the eyes of what appears to be just an ordinary average guy, who as the film progresses turns out to be the equivalent of a kind of sublime mid-western Zen Master who's travels serve to teach him not only about the House and it's importance to him, but to all of humanity.

The film is Richard Kyanka's debut on DVD, though he has produced some quality digital media, most notably the interactive experience titled "Dance Dance Karnov" chronicling one Italian sous chef's quest for self discovery while shopping for hats.

Like "Karnov", Doom House is a philosophical masterpiece, challenging one's perception of truth at the most fundamental level. Does Kant actually bring together the whole of western philosophical thought? Doom House won't tell you, but it will tell you why it doesn't matter and make you wonder if Kant actually meant all those things he wrote about morality.

Definitely a film to watch for any fan of thought provoking cinema.

It astonishes me how well this short film (much-anticipated in the Appleton film circuit) was able to deliver the fresh goods. "Doom House" is able to simultaneously shock the viewer with breathtaking cinematography, while at the same time forcing them into the world of Reginald (Kyanka). It is usually the case that a film's director will be caught up in creative eccentricities, and so, overplay one aspect of production, and fail to take care with another: the 'style vs. substance' effect, if you will. But this film certainly doesn't fall prey to that, as every single shot sings out the same, poignant message: and neither does its well-roundedness make it mediocre.

The only drawback is that Mr. Kyanka anticipates the sequel by putting on a performance that is reminiscent of Guy Pearce.