Entrance (2012)

ENTRANCE is about the limits of our perception, how the things lurking on the periphery of our lives can lead to horrific conclusions; about how she fell out of love with the city, but it wouldn't let her go.

Directors:

Dallas Richard Hallam, Patrick Horvath

Writers:

Karen Gorham, Karen Gorham,

Stars:

Karen Baird, Suziey Block, Farley Burge

Cast

Credited cast:
Karen Baird
Suziey Block
Farley Burge
Karen Gorham	...	Karen
Joshua Grote	...	Josh
Florence Hartigan
Bennett Jones	...	Bennett
Liesel Kopp	...	Liesel
Jonathan Margolis	...	Jonathan
Patrick McPheron
Morgan Phalen	...	Morgan
Tim Wilson	...	Tim
Peter Wulff

Storyline

ENTRANCE is about the limits of our perception, how the things lurking on the periphery of our lives can lead to horrific conclusions; about how she fell out of love with the city, but it wouldn't let her go.

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Genres:

Drama | Horror | Thriller

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Certificate:

Not Rated

Details

Official Sites:

Official site

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

18 May 2012 (USA)

Company Credits

Technical Specs

Runtime:

83 min

Color:

Color

Did You Know?

Soundtracks

"Michael Jordan, May I Have This Dance"
Performed by Tornavalanche

User Reviews

A masterpiece! (as far as being a good learning tool)

The first text you see on screen reads: "a TOWARD NEW CINEMA film".

Some will see the irony, humor, and tragedy of this.

The reviews were so mixed that I felt compelled to see it, especially due to its small budget. Who isn't thrilled when they find those clever, engaging, or brilliantly executed low-budget (or even no-budget) films? It's not just great from the perspective of those who enjoy films, but it's also an uplifting success story too, since so so SOOOO few of them are even a pubic hairs width higher up the ladder then a student film. So finding a good one is triply fantastic.

This isn't one of those films.

This is a sub-student-grade film, poorly-executed in every way by which a film is judged. This level of "insulting" is beyond ridiculous. Did those behind this film actually assume people's current level of awareness was so challenged that they really couldn't tell the difference between a legitimate film and simply pointing a consumer video camera at the action? Because that is nearly the level at which this is done. Write the script, cast it, find a few locations, then point the camera. Isn't that what children do with their projects? Don't misunderstand, going for stylization which mimics personally captured footage, a documentary style, or the tired "found footage" genre are all perfectly (well, sort of) legitimate means towards telling a story. BUT, there are those who choose this as a stylistic choice, AND THEN, there are those who film this way because....(wait for it)...that's all they can achieve.

How unfortunate is it to lack (nearly) all the skills/talents associated with producing a legitimate motion picture, but then comically attempting to spin those shortcomings into a premeditated choice? But wait....and then expecting people to buy it, and like it? Wow.

If it weren't so common, it would be so far beyond "unacceptable" as to be parodied, mocked, and giggled about relentlessly. But it's not even remotely uncommon, sadly. When there are no real consequences, why on earth would anyone feel shame or embarrassment? What some inexplicably delusional directors/writers/producers seem to continually overlook, is the inherent ability of most people to spot a student-grade project. People, whether they know it or not, are inadvertent experts at judging films. At least in terms of visuals, sound, (sometimes) performances, etc. You can't live through your childhood and formative years watching buttloads of meticulously crafted projects and then be expected to magically overlook brutal/massive/profound differences you encounter later. No more then you can listen to a recording of a garage-level band and not notice that it (usually) doesn't sound so phenomenal.

One of the reviews gave this project 10 stars. But that person, of course, had no other reviews. Cmon people, even a kid reading the reviews would be prone to the knee-jerk "yeah, must have been someone from the cast or crew". Well, knee-jerk or not, it's clear anyone giving this more then the minimum of one-star is either very very kind, not terribly bright, or associated with the project.

Most of the other reviews gave it just that, one star.

I said "sub-student-grade" because it's just that. Poor sound, poor framing, poor everything! I mean really, what were they thinking? Rarely do you see a film which fails (and fails big) in each and every area by which a film is judged. Every single way? How is that even possible? When you've worked in the industry, you can't help but get a few things right, even if by accident. Not this project though.

I swear by Zeus, that I would defend (portions of) this film if even one single area of production was executed with more then the skills of a hobbyist, but that's all you get in this project. Even (some) student projects are done with a level of skill and talent which, though rough, illustrates the future story-telling potential of one or more of the individuals involved. So again I must loudly exclaim....hobbyists! This is honestly nothing more then pointing an cheapish video camera at actors who've learned the lines which were written. And how on earth can that be applauded? Even as an assignment this would receive and dreadful grade, unless it was a 1st-year class (and even then I don't think it would grade too well).

This film is insulting not because those who made it have (less then) student skills, but because they comically assume no one would notice. People, unfortunately for them, aren't as profoundly stupid as they'd hoped. Even those who can't quite put it into words just "know" when something stinks badly.

And lastly. Kids, learn from this. This is what happens when your enthusiasm is greater then your skills and talent. Sure, motivation will certainly ensure your project gets finished, but to what ends? Don't you want your projects to be liked by others outside your family/friends/crew? Valuable lessons are the only positive thing about projects like this one.

As has been shown time and time again, having little/no budget doesn't always seem to get in the way of those with great skills and talent. They somehow are able to make the projects shine, even with consumer gear and no money whatsoever. Those...deserve applause, for achieving what others can't even approach.

This films value lies in the lessons it teaches to future film makers.