Nefarious Films

Review by Matt Compton

Running time: 14 mins

Where to see it: www.sazuma.com or http://hackermovies.com/78669/Skrypt/10001/movies/

In a bare room in some undisclosed freezing location a mysterious man delivers a package to a second man who is happy to pay handsomely for its delivery. There is a catch though, the package contains a script whcih is rumoured to have 'effects' uopn anybody who reads it and that is exactly what the first man must do if he is to recieve his payment.

This interesting if obtuse film hails from Austria and though its sparse dialogue is in English it retains a healthy dose of 'foreigness' which really helps to both displace the viewer and create some distinctive visuals. The film takes place in a dark, empty location where the snow seems to perpetually fall and the cold is palpable. Even when the action moves to an interior location the snow may be gone but the temperature is still visibly frigid. This helps to create an atmosphere of discomfort and alienation excellently.

The lighting is also instrumental in establishing the atmosphere of this film and it is superb. The texture is grainy but has real depth and adds to the feeling of unreality that steadily builds through the film.

The cool lighting is not just a gimmick either and ties in with the events on screen which may or may not be real. The plot of the film is actually a rather confusing affair involving a cursed manuscript which sends readers insane. The story is perhaps a little too inaccessible for some with no clear resolution being presented at the film's end. This is not neccessarily a bad thing as it leads to the viewer being made to work for its answers and even then not knowing whether they are right or not. In this aspect it is very reminiscent of the excellent Donnie Darko and that can't be a bad thing.

  The performances are good and though the actors clearly do not speak English as a first language do all the talking they need to do through their movements and expressions. The delivery man who constantly asks for a light for his cigarette but is constantly refused is particularly good.

Skrpt is an unusual film, its gorgeous visuals will treat the eyes at the same time as its bizzare, intense plot creeps into your mind and gives it a sound kicking. This one'll leave you thinking.

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