Filmmaking is a tough business. Last year Justin McConnell debuted his documentary Clapboard Jungle, which highlighted just how difficult it can be to get a film into and through the production process. Now documentary creators Julie Kauffman and Paul Hunt follow suit as they document aspiring filmmaker Mike Lombardo in The Brilliant Terror. Lombardo is a writer, director, and FX artist who runs Reel Splatter Productions. His IMDB credits are minimal, making him an interesting choice for a documentary subject. What focusing on him does is offer a truly honest perspective on how hard the industry can be to break into. McConnell’s film operated within the world of indie film production, often seen as the cheaper part of the industry sitting beneath the mainstream Hollywood world of movies. Lombardo however exists in what is termed in the documentary as ‘grass roots horror’. This new environment is where people with a passion for horror create content however they can, fully embracing the DIY mantra as people beg, borrow, and practically steal whatever they can in order to make something.
The Brilliant Terror takes place over a number of years as Kauffman and Hunt document Lombardo’s work. They join him on the set of several projects, though it is his make-up on The Stall that is most heavily featured. Through spending time behind-the-scenes the viewer gets not just a peek behind the curtain as to what life on a film set is like, but also a lesson in how home practical effects are generated. It’s an eye-opening process, one that takes so much time, energy, and passion to be able to do professionally, and Lombardo’s commitment is commendable. This exclusive look also does not sugarcoat the experience. Often when we see behind-the-scenes, it’s as a part of the marketing for a movie and so some of the more strained moments are hidden. Kauffman and Hunt offer a counter perspective, unafraid to show Lombardo at his lowest ebb. Filmmaking is far more difficult than people think and by digging in deep The Brilliant Terror places the viewer in the trenches right there with Lombardo.
In addition to following Lombardo’s journey, The Brilliant Terror also interviews several other grass roots filmmakers as well as critics as it investigates our relationship with horror as well as making movies. People spoken with include Michael Gingold, Stephen Romano, Heidi Honeycutt, and Jeremiah Kipp, and they discuss a wide variety of topics. Honeycutt, a film critic who has also directed films, discusses her approach to film criticism, frankly stating that if she can make a film that people enjoy, then those with access to better funding should be able to do better. If they can’t, they’re going to get a negative review. Other discussions revolve around the idea that most horror is potentially damaged people playing for damaged people and how Columbine made society view fans of the genre. Kipp provides more historical context about the genre and for those interested in what he has to say, he also has his film Slapface screening at this year’s FrightFest.
Portions of the documentary lean heavily into the bad and bitter times, making it hard to comprehend why anyone would want to choose this career path, but Kauffman and Hunt do manage to turn things around towards the end. After spending so much time with a stressed out Mike, existing on thirty-eight minutes of sleep across a long night-shoot, as he battles with trolls unhappy with some of his earlier work on social media, it’s great to get a glimpse into the other side of his work. The focus shifts and suddenly we see him successfully orchestrate a complex FX sequence; as this scene unfolds that spark of creativity and enthusiasm becomes apparent.
The title is a perfect description of how, not just Mike, but many feel about the film life. They love the creativity it enables, but find the process a nightmare. Though not quite balanced between the light and dark sides of working on a movie set, The Brilliant Terror offers an honest viewpoint that isn’t often seen. Just like McConnell’s Clapboard Jungle, The Brilliant Terror is essential viewing for those about to embark on their own film journey.
The Brilliant Terror
Summary
Eye-opening and frank with its honesty, The Brilliant Terror presents a warts and all look behind the curtain of the lowest of low budget horror productions, demonstrating just how far you can get on sheer determination, passion, and commitment alone.
The Brilliant Terror was reviewed at Arrow Video FrightFest 2021.
