The reviews are all written, I have almost recovered some hours of lost sleep, and that’s about it for Dead By Dawn 2014, but the reviews are just a small sample of what I experience every year at this festival.
Things started off with a White Russian or two when I met up with good friends I have simply started naming “the Irish contingent”. We then headed up to watch House On Haunted Hill on the first night and then a few more drinks were had.
The Friday began with Mr. Sardonicus, which was then followed by the disappointing Les Gouffres. Then it was time to behave in class as Kier-la Janisse (author of the superb House Of Psychotic Women) entertained everyone with a presentation entitled School Of Shock: Pain & Pleasure In The Classroom Safety Film. This particular segment of the festival was something I found both entertaining and informative, as Kier-la spoke to us about the many thousands of short films made throughout the years to educate people and/or spread propaganda. Laughs were had, but there were also moments of nastiness. And I blame Miss Janisse for the fact that I headed home and filled up my Amazon wishlist with a number of titles from the Central Office of Information. The evening then moved on to a screening of Greatful Dead, which was a real treat, as was the chance to then watch the original Friday The 13th on the big screen.
Saturday got off to a great start with a hearty bit of breakfast from the local farmer’s market. A full stomach and plenty of energy is always required for the longest day of the festival. The movie selection kicked off with the enjoyable 13 Sins, which was followed by a double-bill consisting of Killer Legends and Candyman. I may have disliked the former film, but that was soon forgotten once I was engrossed in one of my long-time favourites. Dead Banging was a lighter affair, before the great Chocolate Strawberry Vanilla was shown. Having barely found a new favourite from the festival selection, I then had a new favourite by the time the credits rolled on Takashi Miike’s Lesson Of The Evil. It was 0300 when The Howling started, but I couldn’t feel tired with such a great werewolf flick being shown.
Sunday, the last day, once again started off strong. In The Name Of The Son was everything I was hoping it would be. Twilight Zone: The Movie was a fun film to revisit, and then we were all entertained by a selection of shorts in the 2D & Deranged selection (all shorts are reviewed here), which even had a 3D item this year. What sorcery. Sorry Miike, but I soon had a new favourite film from the festival when Housebound was shown. That’s my gem from this year, and I encourage everyone to keep their eyes peeled for it. Last, but by no means least, was Oculus, a damn fine treat for us horror fans to be seeing ahead of its general release and one of the best straight horrors I have seen in years.
And then I had to head home and get some writing done. Well, there was time for ONE last pint with the lads before they all headed home again, and a few last group photos taken by a kindly member of staff. Then I was done.
It just remains for me now to thank, as usual, Adele and all the team, everyone who offered up their movies for us to watch, Kier-la Janisse for introducing me and my wallet to a whole fantastic sub-genre of short films, the fantastic Filmhouse staff, and the audience. Every year brings a selection of highlights, both on and offscreen, and at about this time every year I say the exact same thing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . I can’t wait to do it all over again.
