Photo by Riddle of Fire and The Dead Don’t Hurt: Two Films that Showcase the Power of Independent Cinema
Image: Riddle of Fire
In the world of independent cinema, there are films that push the boundaries of storytelling and filmmaking. Two such films, Riddle of Fire and The Dead Don’t Hurt, showcase the power of independent cinema and the creativity of their directors.
Riddle of Fire, directed by Weston Razooli, is an 80s-style retro kids adventure that pits a trio of paintball-happy scamps against a shady group of occult and taxidermy dabbling adults. Shot on Super 16, the film has an appealing, slightly washed-out look, like hand-me-down T-shirts and threadbare denim. However, the plot is incoherent, and the acting is frequently atrocious. Despite its flaws, there’s something here - a kernel of magic that promises greater things to come from Razooli.
Image: The Dead Don’t Hurt
The Dead Don’t Hurt, directed by Viggo Mortensen, is a western that tells the story of a rocky romance between a spirited, rebellious woman and a strong, silent man. Shot in widescreen, the film has a weathered, leathery look, reminiscent of traditional Hollywood westerns. The story is a love story between two independent people who have both grasped the possibilities of the American west fiercely and on their own terms. Mortensen plays Danish immigrant Holger Olsen, a taciturn man who has clearly lived several full lives already, even before he settled in a modest shack on the outskirts of Elk Flats, Nevada.
Both films showcase the power of independent cinema to tell unique and compelling stories. While they may not be perfect, they demonstrate the creativity and innovation that independent filmmakers bring to the table.
Image: All That We Love
In another film, All That We Love, directed by Yen Tan, we see a woman mourning the loss of her dog. The film is a dramedy that explores the complexities of grief and relationships. Margaret Cho shines as Emma, a woman going through a midlife crisis, who is trying to come to terms with the loss of her dog and her complicated relationships with her family.
These films demonstrate the diversity and creativity of independent cinema. They may not have the big budgets or the star power of mainstream films, but they have heart, soul, and a unique perspective on the world.
Conclusion
Independent cinema is all about taking risks and pushing boundaries. Riddle of Fire, The Dead Don’t Hurt, and All That We Love are three films that showcase the power of independent cinema to tell unique and compelling stories. They may not be perfect, but they demonstrate the creativity and innovation that independent filmmakers bring to the table.
