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Raindance Film Festival 2008 : The Birthday

posted 16 years ago by nickitten
3 replies | jump to latest

I am writing this comment in response to some of the awful and unfair reviews of The Birthday.

I first saw this film a year ago on Spanish dvd,i loved it,so jumped at the chance to see it on screen when it was presented by the 16th Annual Raindance Film Festival in London's West End yesterday (Saturday 11th October). Corey Feldman and the Director Eugenio Mira were also in attendance to show their support and passion for a film made almost 4 years ago.

We were treated to the 117min uncut version only screened one other time outside of Spain, and it was a wonderful opportunity.
The film is set in 80's Baltimore and follows Norman Forrester(Corey Feldman), an anti-hero with a nervous tick,at his girlfiends fathers birthday party. The film takes a David Lynch-esque turn when we discover that the hotel in which the party is taking place is also the birth place for a monster signalling the end of the world!

Firstly Corey Feldman must be commended for his delightful character Norman Forrester. He is quirky, humorous and most of all endearing. I was instantly engrossed in the emotional journey that his character makes throughout the film. Norman is unlike any character Corey has ever portrayed before, but he plays the part with such conviction that it truely is a testament to his acting ability.

The music and colours on the screen are a treat for the senses, and the last 10 mins, without spoiling it for others, are a spectacular piece of filmaking. Eugenio Mira, and his mostly Spanish cast and crew, should be very proud indeed of their work, it is one of the most original and superb indie films I have ever seen.

It is not for everyone,art house films never are, but I think if people can cast aside preconceptions of how they 'think' the film should be and be open to the unusual and different,then they will also be able to see how this is such a magnificent and admirable film.

We had the chance to speak to Eugenio and Corey, who were both so happy that the film is finally getting the recognition it deserves.Corey was an absolute gentleman and loved my boyfriends new License to Drive tattoo. It was a pleasure to be able to speak to Eugenio about this film, his passion was obviously still so clear.

Thank you guys for a great film.

Nic and Dru.

[–] kyzasoze2003 16 years ago

I was also at Raindance last Saturday for the screening. Most of my friends enjoyed it, but I'd say The Birthday is really for audiences that like Lynch-esque type films or as my friend calls them "Bizarre, weird, nutty films". Although I would compare it to a David Lynch film, there were clearly other influences that could be seen (Eyes Wide Shut, The Shining, Scorsese's After Hours spring to mind). The Sound design that Corey had mentioned prior to the film, was very impressive and needs to be experienced in the theatre, rather than on DVD. Saying that I do hope it would be released on DVD, the full 117mins cut.

[–] The_Ratfink 14 years ago

I envy you guys. I was fully intending to see this at Raindance, but wasn't able to make it. What I didn't know is that they showed an extended 117min cut.

I hope the full uncut version gets a release. Although I've only watched the significantly shorter Spanish DVD release, it's a wonderful film and fully deserving of cult status.

[–] kyzasoze2003 12 years ago

I don't think they've released it yet. I think it may never get released! It may never be shown on TV. There are some great films shown at Raindance that never get released! I don't know why, since some truly awful films get released.