You ever see one of those horror flicks where the killer does all manner of inhumane and despicable things to their victims? Of course you have. You ever wonder just how they could have become so depraved and what could possibly motivate them to continue their sadistic and cruel behavior? Maybe you have, or maybe you didn't put any further thought into it. Have you ever been disgusted and repulsed to the point where you couldn't continue watching?
I'm asking all these questions, because the answers are simple: You will. Whether or not you have, you'll find out. And... you just might be.
If you haven't watched FOUND by Scott Schirmer, you should. Its based on the novel of the same name, by Todd Rigney. That story contains a film within itself, and that film is HEADLESS. Easily one of the most brutal and integral parts to FOUND, it was a throwback to 70s underground indie horror exploitation that drove the killer in FOUND to commit his own atrocities. FOUND was so well received by the underground horror heads, that it spawned a successful crowd- funding campaign for a full length HEADLESS feature.
I now understand how such a cruel and demented killer could be created. I could feel his pain. His nightmarish hallucinations could drive any one to such lengths.
While this film contains incredibly horrific acts of intense brutality, they seem natural for the monster committing them. By the time it was over I realized had thoroughly enjoyed all which I had witnessed. Then again, I'm a fairly twisted individual that knows it's all just entertainment. Yet, to be entertained by such heartless acts, to cheer along at the ghastly images, it makes me wonder... What the hell is wrong with me? Also, what the hell is wrong with Arthur Cullipher and Nathan Erdel?
Cullipher has masterfully crafted a film that is as equally beautiful, surreal, atmospheric, and lucid as it is sickening, perverse, gut-wrenching , and unapologetic. He and several colleagues from FOUND (Scott Schirmer, Nathan and Kara Erdel, Leya Taylor, and Shane Beasley reprising his role as the killer) have given us a peek into the mind of a demon not spawned from Hell, but birthed of the torment that was all he had ever known.
Plot and story are definitely present, and certainly not pleasant. Headless could have easily just been a load of graphic, sexualized violence to satisfy the sickos - and we get plenty of that - but a tale is to be told, and you will understand just where its "headed" right from the start.
This film feels like it's from 1978. It looks gorgeous, and sounds equally appropriate. They made sure to use the right clothes and vehicles to get the proper atmosphere going. Don't even get me started on the roller rink. The killer's house is dingy and disgusting, he's living in a filthy old run down building on a farm.
Shane Beasley provides an incredible performance as the Headless killer. In the original short from FOUND, he didn't have to do much but kill women, eat their eyes, and hump their heads. He gives so much more in this role for the feature film. We know and experience not only the horrors and pain he inflicts, but those he has suffered as well.
Kelsey Carlisle, Haley Madison, and Ellie Church give great performances in their roles, proving they have what it takes to be scream queen material. There is an abundance of opportunity for wailing and agony from the victims in this film, and by its very nature, these women must scream!
There is comedic relief in all this gruesome slaughter. Brian Williams' Slick Vic is a sleazy 70s roller rink tycoon scumbag asshole, paired perfectly with Ellie Church's Betsy. Their on- screen chemistry is undeniable. It's like they are married or something. I also thought the hitchhiker scene was pretty hilarious, without even trying.
The FX are all practical and top notch. There are gallons of blood, killer gore, gruesome mutilations, and those special things that only the Headless killer does to his victims. Everything looks great.
The music and score are so perfect. At times the score is haunting, and it even gets chilling what music will be heard during some of the most gruesome scenes.
The bar just got set higher for indie horror. This film is absolutely everything I imagined it might and be much, much more. This will surely go down as one of the sickest, most well-executed indie films ever. It has instantly rocketed into my top 3 ever. I loved every second of this sick, twisted movie!
I'm asking all these questions, because the answers are simple: You will. Whether or not you have, you'll find out. And... you just might be.
If you haven't watched FOUND by Scott Schirmer, you should. Its based on the novel of the same name, by Todd Rigney. That story contains a film within itself, and that film is HEADLESS. Easily one of the most brutal and integral parts to FOUND, it was a throwback to 70s underground indie horror exploitation that drove the killer in FOUND to commit his own atrocities. FOUND was so well received by the underground horror heads, that it spawned a successful crowd- funding campaign for a full length HEADLESS feature.
I now understand how such a cruel and demented killer could be created. I could feel his pain. His nightmarish hallucinations could drive any one to such lengths.
While this film contains incredibly horrific acts of intense brutality, they seem natural for the monster committing them. By the time it was over I realized had thoroughly enjoyed all which I had witnessed. Then again, I'm a fairly twisted individual that knows it's all just entertainment. Yet, to be entertained by such heartless acts, to cheer along at the ghastly images, it makes me wonder... What the hell is wrong with me? Also, what the hell is wrong with Arthur Cullipher and Nathan Erdel?
Cullipher has masterfully crafted a film that is as equally beautiful, surreal, atmospheric, and lucid as it is sickening, perverse, gut-wrenching , and unapologetic. He and several colleagues from FOUND (Scott Schirmer, Nathan and Kara Erdel, Leya Taylor, and Shane Beasley reprising his role as the killer) have given us a peek into the mind of a demon not spawned from Hell, but birthed of the torment that was all he had ever known.
Plot and story are definitely present, and certainly not pleasant. Headless could have easily just been a load of graphic, sexualized violence to satisfy the sickos - and we get plenty of that - but a tale is to be told, and you will understand just where its "headed" right from the start.
This film feels like it's from 1978. It looks gorgeous, and sounds equally appropriate. They made sure to use the right clothes and vehicles to get the proper atmosphere going. Don't even get me started on the roller rink. The killer's house is dingy and disgusting, he's living in a filthy old run down building on a farm.
Shane Beasley provides an incredible performance as the Headless killer. In the original short from FOUND, he didn't have to do much but kill women, eat their eyes, and hump their heads. He gives so much more in this role for the feature film. We know and experience not only the horrors and pain he inflicts, but those he has suffered as well.
Kelsey Carlisle, Haley Madison, and Ellie Church give great performances in their roles, proving they have what it takes to be scream queen material. There is an abundance of opportunity for wailing and agony from the victims in this film, and by its very nature, these women must scream!
There is comedic relief in all this gruesome slaughter. Brian Williams' Slick Vic is a sleazy 70s roller rink tycoon scumbag asshole, paired perfectly with Ellie Church's Betsy. Their on- screen chemistry is undeniable. It's like they are married or something. I also thought the hitchhiker scene was pretty hilarious, without even trying.
The FX are all practical and top notch. There are gallons of blood, killer gore, gruesome mutilations, and those special things that only the Headless killer does to his victims. Everything looks great.
The music and score are so perfect. At times the score is haunting, and it even gets chilling what music will be heard during some of the most gruesome scenes.
The bar just got set higher for indie horror. This film is absolutely everything I imagined it might and be much, much more. This will surely go down as one of the sickest, most well-executed indie films ever. It has instantly rocketed into my top 3 ever. I loved every second of this sick, twisted movie!