Published in: Documentary Film Reviews

Short Film Documentary Review “Disregard the Vampire”

Author OneFilmFan

Published on: November 6, 2016

WATCH THE TRAILER HERE

First, the Recap:

Ever wonder what really goes into making a film?  When you get to be the one to simply sit back and view the final, polished, well-put together product, does it really ever occur what actually went into making it such?  Behind the scenes is always an eye-opening experience for most, often illustrating that sometimes, just getting the film made in the first place is in itself a total, absolute, all-encompassing exercise is borderline futility, especially within the underfunded and highly fluctuating world that is independent film.  Take writer/director Mike Messier’s 3-year journey to see one film, a feature titled “Disregard the Vampire”, actually make it to completion. To say the least, it was a serious labor of tension-based, frustrated love.

Having had a modicum of success with previous short film efforts and other related endeavors, Messier’s goal to see “Disregard The Vampire” was coming together nicely, albeit encountering certain hiccups involving minor things–script, casting, needed equipment, overall funding, organization on the set–and everything else associated with creating a screen gem. However, production ground to a  halt when  further delay ensued in losing the picture’s chosen lead actor to a little thing called an untimely passing! Only with some quick thinking, input from all those involved, and a steadfast willingness to overcome this major obstacle (along with MANY others), Messier and his film crew kept their sanity, persevered, found a new lead, and managed to find the ability to move forward and find their film.

Next, my Mind:

It pays to be relatively vague in describing Mike Messier’s new short film documentary effort, only in that to delve into actual detail about the content of it would do a serious injustice via ruining so much of the sheer fun, candid, almost mock-u-mentary stylings showcased in the 41-minute film.  Providing the viewer with an opportunity to witness the actual process, from start to finish and everything in-between, that goes into making an indie film, the whole affair is quite in-depth, eye-opening, and frankly, a feature every brand new filmmaker should see! To watch the indelible passion and fortitude displayed by Messier and his entire film cast and crew, despite a number of setbacks and general aggravations, disappointments, and discontentment at times among all involved–honestly, it’s inspiring. These are all people deadly serious about their art, regardless of what the film is about or how it might be received. They will make it!

To give further insight into the entire creative aura for the whole operation beyond just Messier’s words, interviews with key cast and crew are plentiful here, including actors Jose Guns Alves, Geena Matuson, and Scorpio, as well as crew members like casting director/script supervisor Mary Kelliher Deberry, make-up/costume designer Kaitlyn Ciampa, co-writer Court Fisk, production designer Shevon “Muffin” Young, assistant set decorators Raeshelle Cooke and Loraine Craig Lesniak among others who truly provide excellent, entertaining, and just flat out real perspectives on what it was like being a part of the making of the film.  For the finale, there is a very apropos quote from author James K. Van Fleet from his book “Take Control of People In 3 Weeks or Less” that rings so true for the indie film arena being presented here, and it places a final exclamation point on concepts in this documentary to the absolute purpose intended.

In total, with a wonderfully entertaining, humor-filled format and delivery, “Disregard The Vampire” goes well beyond the filmmaking process for a single project, but rather shines an all-too-real light on the rigors of survival in the indie film realms.  It becomes a testament to all those aspiring artists who strive day in and day out to utilize whatever they have to work with and turn it into the best possible outcome they can in order to know that, ideally, hard work, dedication, belief, tenacity, and skill in their chosen art will yield the success they’re aiming for.  For this reviewer, it cemented in my own mind why I love being a part of this community.

As always, this is all for your consideration and comment. Until next time, thank you for reading!