The Facts in the Case of Mister Hollow

Newspaper cuttings of child disappearances, suggestions of a cult being involved, a photograph sent to an investigator from someone called Johnny Hollow – all of the things are connected, and the photograph holds the answers if we can only look closely enough.

I am not really sure what to call this film; for sure it is a type of animation but then we also have real elements, although technically none of it "moves" since the majority of the film is spent with the virtual camera moving in and around the photograph, providing information behind the image of 4 people and a baby seemingly smiling for the camera. Much like the "enhance" feature in shows like CSI, the movement of the camera into and around the photograph goes far beyond what "looking closely" could provide, and it really opens up the image. It is surprisingly compelling, and I did find myself leaning a bit closer to see everything as the camera/eye moved around and in/out. What helps the sense of building immensely is the great soundtrack by, erm, Johnny Hollow (not sure if that is a real name or not!). The music builds tension, and steps up at all the right points.

The Gothic imagery, and the hints of ominous violence in and around the photograph build with the sound, and while there is not a narrative per se, it does engage and start to get quite gripping until the creepy conclusion. A very well imagined short film, with a good idea which is well delivered on with great camera movement and invention. Pleasingly creepy and tense.

Combing of a crime scene in less than six minutes and that too with a completely outlandish and strange approach at creating film. A film that manages to task out most of the intricacies or disciplines within the large spectrum of the craft itself.

Directed by Rodrigo Gudiño and Vincent Marcone, the film also manages to create conflict within the atmosphere with the help of a brilliant score.

A viewing experience that I cannot stop going back to, in my head, to relish in joining the puzzle, trying to fit pieces together just to rearrange them when I return to that spot in the woods.

The film is about a crime scene investigation of sorts. However nobody knows what the crime is even after watching some highly revelatory frames.

My brain is still processing the levels on the 'intrigued to loved' emotions.

I saw this tonight, during Nuit Blanche in Montreal at the Fantasia/DJ XL5 show at Place des Arts, and it just blew me away. I wanted to find it on YouTube, or even for sale, but no such luck. Now I want all of my film-fanatic friends to see it.

I very much enjoyed the way it was shot, and the general feel of it all. The music was just plain awesome, and really worked well with the general aesthetic.

Hopefully it will be made available in some way or another in the near future, as I'd love to watch it again.

And congrats on the Genie nomination!

I can't describe this movie too much, because anything will give it away. It's a very short film, but there's ridiculous amounts of depth to it.

The entire movie is an exercise in interpretation and inference. I saw it this weekend at Texas Frightmare Weekend and got to talk to the director one on one after. The DVD contains two other shorts, and they are solid, but nothing like this movie that forces you to tell the story to yourself spark your imagination.

I could never have guessed what I was getting into when my buddy insisted we go see his screening, but I am still totally excited that we did.

If Rodrigo Gudino has this kind of vision and creativity, he'll soon be listed as one of the greats. Whether or not you like this or his other two movies is completely your opinion, but give it a shot, because I guarantee that it will be different. This day and age, that is hard to come by.