Let’s examine some of the reasons why this movie passes where others fail: for one thing, it is not a quick attempt to capitalize on horror’s appeal to a younger demographic with disposable cash. The script was written, and rewritten, and rewritten until it made sense, both narratively and budgetarily. Then the casting process began, and many people were seen until a cast was set based on talent, not on availability. Same with the crew. Snow was a perfectionist on the project, taking 5-months to shoot it and occasionally pissing off his actors, but he knew what he wanted to do, and I applaud his. Then came the editing, and screening for friends, and then editing some more. Eventually he ended up with a striking film, in terms of the fearless performances from his cast and the distinctive look to the cinematography. I particularly enjoyed the use of the red and green lightning gels, and the decision to tell much of the story in close-ups. It makes the action that much more uncomfortably intimate. Most DIY films of this nature end up either too dark to be comprehensible or bleached white when shooting outdoor scenes, but Us Sinners avoids both of those pitfalls. Though sometimes you’ll wish it was too dark.

It also helps that in addition to his decade’s worth of theater experience, Snow is a musician, with four albums under his belt with his band Frances Farmer My Hero (including an excellent ode to the aforementioned May). So the music in the film is well-placed and effective, something, when done right, you don’t register consciously. It comes across more in the way your mind perceives the action: it makes scenes that might seem hammy otherwise ominous instead. And, of course, all of the music was written by Mr. Snow.

Now, all that glitters is not gold, and I don’t want you to get the impression that I am just blowing a load onto George’s face for the sake of it. The movie does have some of the inherent problems that you might expect from a micro-budget feature with a first-time director. While almost all extraneous material was pared away during the extensive edits, some of the windshield POVs drag a bit, and some of the cuts (especially in the prologue scene) are a little choppy. And of course you have to understand that while most of the performances are quite good for this type of film, not every single actor is Oscar-caliber. The voiceover work as well sometimes adds unintentional comedy to proceedings. But hey, not everyone can afford expensive professional ADR sessions.

The end result, for those who only read the first and last paragraphs, is a low-budget horror film that sticks its head high above the others around it. It takes no shit, and will confront your expectations whenever possible. When you’re tired of the mainstream color-by-numbers bullshit studio fare, and decide to take on some underground celluloid that will excite you and get your neurons firing, the blood and semen of Us Sinners is a great place to start. And to the indie genere stalwarts, here is one that will make you remember why you love to troll the internet and flea markets for the movies no one else has seen, but should.

Bon apetit!

As of yet, Us Sinners is not available for purchase commercially, but luckily there is a really great looking website right over here Us Sinners.

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Misty  - Wow!   |63.83.137.xxx |2008-09-17 07:39:26 Sounds like a shocker for sure! Not sure if I'm up for that kind of shock just yet, but you never know...I might enjoy it...heh. There's a little typo. Second to last sentence says "... now matter how hardened you are to genre fare." I think the now should be no. Just lettin' you know.

Midnight Butterfly   |198.111.220.xxx |2008-09-18 08:46:52 I was going to read this review. I really was. But my friend read it and she got so weirded out by the review she doesn't think she wants to see the movie. THAT intrigued me so now I definitely want to see the movie -- and will read the review then.

George  - Deleted Scene   |24.0.2.xxx |2008-09-28 22:07:48 Thought you might get a kick out of this. I had to remove one of my truly favorite scenes from Us Sinners. It was repetitive to the ass-slapping scene Mom gives Tim in the beginning. This cut scene is much better, but because I opened with Mom spanking young Tim it made sense to cut this particular scene. But, it just makes me laugh my ass off. Here's the set-up: The second prostitute that gets the bag put over her head, was a full scene with Tim and her discussing "How you want it?" It was a great scene. But the BITCH SLUT CUNT actress refused later to sign a release, so I had to reshoot. I decided to just use certain shots, create a montage and remove all dialogue. So, when you see him with the saw about to cut her up, this scene was suppose to follow. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O9EJ_bRrmU0http://

George  - Sorry Ladies   |24.0.2.xxx |2008-09-30 01:24:59 To the ladies at this site, I apologize for my language. But, when I think of that person it absolutely infuriates me. She left everyone waiting one night. I paid her for a part she said she'd do for free. Then when it's all said, done and in the bag, she refuses to sign a release because she didn't like her hair.

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