Sugar (2005)

 

Picture: C+     Sound: B-     Extras: C-     Film: B-

 

 

Who is the woman who has rented an apartment and who is this “Anthony” who lived there before?  That is just the beginning of the Reynold Reynolds/Patrick Jolley film Sugar, a co-directed project that reminds one of early Brian De Palma, George Romero and David Lynch and all in good ways.  The woman takes the film to explore the area, but it is haunted by the previous tenant and may be there in some way, shape or form.  She has her own issues to settle and they are not simple.

 

Like past films that question the sanity of the female protagonist (like De Palma’s Sisters, Roman Polanski’s Repulsion and Rosemary’s Baby) in a way where the audience cannot be certain, this film leans towards insanity, but it is still not that simple.  Though not a great ro0 perfect work, it is one that takes risks and is smarter than so many other such indie projects that boast that they have something to offer, but are as empty as garbage like Blair Witch Project.  Horror fans, serious filmmakers and those who really like a challenge should take a look.

 

The 1.33 X 1 image is a mix of Super 8mm and 16mm film to 35mm film, with some spilt screen work and an additional mix of color and black and white.  The result is stylish and interesting, though the idea that it is strictly gothic missed the point.  The Dolby Digital 2.0 Stereo has some surrounds, but the film has hardly any dialogue, so you will have to experiment with the sound to hear what you think is best.  The only extra are a stills section, but the film is worth a look.

 

 

-   Nicholas Sheffo