“In the Tradition of My Family”

based on short story by: Phil LaMarche

Review by: Luis Pedron of Fanclubx.com

September 25, 2006

NY Film Festival 2006

Walter Reade Theater, Lincoln Center, NYC

Short 15 mins

Director/Producer/Screenplay: Todd H Davis

Starring: Paul Kmiec, Jason Ferriter, Jim Loutzenhiser, Rachel Harker, Chuck Brinig

DP: Austin de Besche

Editor: Michael Berenbaum A.C.E

Synopsis:

A tradition of violence between fathers and sons that goes back generations is threatened when one father hesitates to indoctrinate his son into the insanity.

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Family ties are usually punctuated by family problems and family crisis. This family ties is tied by inflicting a gun wound on their sons as their baptism of fire. Shocking right? Unusual and bizarre, this is a short story based on the writing of Phil LaMarche. Todd H Davis the writer and director of this short film, effectively portrayed the tension that family members feel about this tradition. Cult like, it felt eerie and scary. I was cringing the whole time and I could not fathom the idea of inflicting a wound on  your own son…  

Talking about questioning such traditions, in the film, the father of Billy questions the tradition and gets creative with how he does performs the ritual. Billy thinks otherwise, he feels cheated.

What I enjoyed about the film was that  I was bewildered, shocked,  scared  and fascinated  all at the same time…. effective storytelling, shots – full attention to details. The color tone - earthy and rustic. Acting was subtle but real.

Remember the name, Todd H Davis, he has showed us what he can do.  I got mesmerized by his work. I look forward to his first feature film.

Why should you watch this short film?  This  film is a winner, effective storytelling par excellence!

Contact Reviewer: LuisPedron@gmail.com

Website: http://orlater.com

Press coverage on film: http://orlater.com/_wsn/page11.html