Colour in horror – it happens.
Writer and director Mathew J. Wilkinson from Robwill Productions is preparing to premier two of his most recent films to the world at the Arts Centre Gold Coast this month. His insightful documentary 'How NOT To Make A Horror Film' will be followed by his intriguing feature-length film, 'Colourful & Impossible'.
Take a look behind the lens at what can (and does) go wrong when making an independent horror flick. Nail bite your way through the making of Wilkinson's first horror film 'The Ghosts' and learn 'How NOT To Make A Horror Film'.
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After you've learned what not to do, Wilkinson will open your eyes to the neon world of Tokyo in 'Colourful & Impossible', the world's number one manufacturer of brain game puzzles. Immerse yourself in some of the most talented minds that keep the company at the forefront. Thomas Baker (Scott Whitecross) is the company’s top puzzle tester embarking on his 1000th puzzle. However as an economic collapse looms, the company ceases operations and Thomas finds himself struggling to decipher a code, which could be more dangerous than he ever expected.
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Merging his two films into one creative category, these are Wilkinson's top five colourful possibilities in a horror movie:
Re-Animator
Sometimes horror just needs one colour to brighten things up. Yes red probably is the most frequently visited colour in horror films for obvious reasons, but 'Re-Animator' is more remembered for it's glow-stick green injections given by the eccentric Herbert West. It's a fun ride and probably the best use of the crazed fluorescent colour! (I still don't buy it as the Predator's blood).{youtube}6NOcRIHiRtc{/youtube}
The Paddle Boat Ride, Willy Wonka
Given it's not actually a horror film, the subject matter of kids drowning, blowing up, being squeezed and stretched is pretty horrific! But of course there is one scene which is a pretty far out trip into the world of Wonka's scrumdidyumptious. The paddle boat sequence on the chocolate river showing its colourful imaginary juxtaposed with shots of millepedes, bugs eating each other and Gene Wilder singing makes the tour of the chocolate factory just that little more creepy!Peter Jackson's Bad Taste
This film is incredible given the time it took Jackson to make (4 years over weekends), the resources and the budget he had. Jackson was a master of makeup effects and there are still moments in the film where I watch it and go 'how did he do that with no money?' Jackson doesn't shy away from colour either, the film is over the top with green vomit, pink brains and blood... lots and lots of blood. Most of which is all shot during the day.{youtube}XtPYTfS8Kuw{/youtube}
2001: A Space Odyssey - Beyond The Infinite
I first watched '200'1 when I was about 14. I can't say it made much sense, and I still struggle to justify it. It was always eerie and unsettling. But the colourful 'Beyond The Infinite' sequence at the end was the most disturbing part of the film for me. It may not be true horror, but gees, talk about space, time and infinity making you feel so small and alone.{youtube}juIMtNw_U_o{/youtube}
Sunshine
Ok so another Sci-fi film technically, but it does have elements of horror to it. Danny Boyle's 'Sunshine' has incredible visuals and lighting. The sun alone is given a beautiful and yet deadly presence throughout the entire film. It also seems to send crew members crazy and unstable. 'Sunshine' makes death seem both beautiful and tragic.{youtube}YZ2-xR54UDU{/youtube}
'How NOT To Make A Horror Film' and 'Colourful & Impossible' premiere at the Arts Centre Gold Coast, 27 February.
