Reviews

I first heard about this film on NPR in an interesting program about the ruckus this film may have caused with with it's own government. This lively film pulls a number of punches at politics of this era. A sharp and amusing black political comedy that keeps you engaged from the very beginning. A lowly civil servant gets a "promotion" to become the law in a desolate backwater Mexican village. It is a universal tale of greed, corruption and fate which had me chuckling for hours. If you can imagine a tasty, spicy satire pie baked up with treachery, a wry wit and superb performances, then by all means take of big bite of this delicious treat.

"Hell for Leather" is a leather and oil opera set against a backdrop of urban London. This 20 minute short subject was quite the incredible experience to watch. It is shot in gorgeous B&W and includes intense imagery and a dramatic yet comic operatic score. There are some graphically sexual scenes which may be offensive to some viewers, but I feel that this is a great short for both film and opera lovers to enjoy. I look forward to screening it in the upcoming 8th annual St. Louis International Film Festival. I hope to see some feature film work from director Dominik Scherrer in the future.

One of the most frightening movies I have ever seen. The eerie music, tight editing, sublime usage of B&W photography, and lack of super special effects literally had me on the edge of my seat. This is a true classic of the genre and should be an example as to how to REALLY scare people without resorting to superfluous blood and gore.