I take a second look at Rob Zombie's Lords of Salem

I take a second look at Rob Zombie's Lords of Salem 

I have a love and hate relationship with Rob Zombie. I love the atmosphere he creates but I often feel like he unnecessarily dirties characters that may not need it. Not every killer or victim is white trash or so unorthodox that they would stand out in any crowd. 

In walks Lords of Salem into my life. Now, lets be kind and rewind about 6 months when I first, initially saw this. I never did make it to the movies to see this, as that might have helped my opinion, but we will get to that in a minute. When I first saw Lords of Salem, I literally hated it. I felt it was so vague and was a long dream sequence that had no vision....but I was wrong. I know...here I go again, apologizing to Rob Zombie...

On Tuesday I saw the LoS dvd on sale for $10, me being the completist I am, thought, hey, I should grab it anyways and maybe rematch it. Just like the Lords delivered the record to Heidi in the film, I think I was delivered the dvd. Just like her, I was sucked back into the film...but this time, I did something different. This time I listened to the commentary by Rob Zombie instead of the dialogue. 

Listening to Rob I quickly learned of the issues in making the film. I was captivated by Zombie's honesty about having holes in the script due to not being able to film sequences or a death of an actor. I loved hearing how he set up at a prop shop, used doors to no where and made shots with lighting and texture...this my friends...this is what makes me want to make more films!! Creativity...making things work to the best and creating some amazing sights with lighting and haze. I was instantly inspired. 

Upon my second viewing I must say I saw the beauty. I saw the light and I fell in love with the film...like, completely. I felt his desire to make this, using his best judgments and really feeling restraints like many of us other filmmakers feel. The feeling of being rushed...the certainty of knowing how to make the best looking shots but only having time for 1 or 2 takes. It was relatable.

For me, aside from the script...this is Rob Zombies best film. Its visually stunning and is remarkable to watch. I really hope if you've seen it and hated it, you give the film another chance with open eyes and see the beauty. 

Rob Dimension's Shock & Wrestling Podcast #2

Rob Dimension's Shock & Wrestling Podcast #2

This week Rob Dimension is once again joined by fellow filmmaker and wrestling fan, Matt Barnes as they discuss cinematography in movies including Captain America 2 and Lords of Salem. The also discuss Zombie Survival, changes to the WWE landscape, the chance of a 6 man tag team title return and more. 

Visit www.RobDimension.com for more information plus the Dimension Chat episodes.

Winter Soldier...Fun Film, Great Cinematography

Winter Soldier...Fun Film, Great Cinematography

Hey guys, just got back from seeing the new Captain America: Winter Soldier film and I have to say, what an experience. We made the decision to see this in IMAX and really get a grand scale look at the action...completely the best option.

Instead of a normal, paint by the numbers review of Captain America: Winter Soldier I thought I would compliment and highlight the look from a different perspective....visuals.

When I say visuals I mean Cinematography. Cinematography is really a fine art in filmmaking that sometimes is ignored. It really can enhance the viewing experience. Making the background more interesting, creating a full visual experience. Camera movements that create a flow and keep the story progressing, even though nothing, possibly is being said at the time.

In my later years, especially the filmmaking ones, I have really realized the difference between a good film and a great film is not just the story, its so much more. We, the viewer can be sucked into the film with motion, action, tension and even shakiness of camera work and set design. The little details are what can elevate a film. (Keep in mind, this is just my opinion...right or wrong in yours)

Ok, so Winter Soldier will probably never be revered as a filmmaking masterpiece but you what? Why not?? Because its a comic book film? I can honestly say that I felt captivated throughout the entire movie. So much effort was taken into each shot, keeping things moving, working or interesting not just as a focal point. The background design was flawless. The camera movements, while some may say "Unmotivated", really worked to this movies impact.

Hard to believe, I'm looking at a Marvel film with such an open eye, congratulating them on a job well done with everything but the story. The story was great. Great acting, great characters and this, above every other Marvel film I've seen to date, is now at the top of my list. This is why I'm a comic book fan, this is why I love seeing the comics I loved as a child now on screen and this is why I love making movies.

Will the purists love it? No idea...but I had a blast. Hail Hydra!!