A Bloody Great Day At Fantasia aka A Repo Man Stole My Heart

July 19, 2008

Friday has reenergized me! The quality of work is building and the festival buzz could not be higher. The entire city is alive with a crazy amount of anticipation for the world premiere of Darren Lynn Bousmann’s REPO :THE GENETIC OPERA.

I saw people sitting waiting at 2:30 pm to try and snag tickets to the already sold out show as I was on my way for the Thai romantic dramedy HANDLE ME WITH CARE. The creative, but quirky story of a three armed man looking for love and acceptance, who is contemplating surgical removal of the third arm. It’s sweet and has some fine absurd moments, but will not likely breakthrough beyond festivals, as it very rooted in Thai cultural references, that could be too obscure for North American audiences.

Next in line was the Korean thriller OUR TOWN. Despite some mixed reviews from many, I absolutely was enthralled by the films twisting plot, it’s gruesome killer versus killer chase elements, all of this is anchored by revelatory turn by Ryu Deok-hwan, who’s creepy turn is the polar opposite of his Fantasia prize winning role as a transgender sumo fighter in LIKE A VIRGIN. The film does ask a lot of patience from the viewer, but it is a slickly paced thriller worth the effort.

I took some time out before the premiere of REPO to join many Fantasia guests like Variety/New York Times writer and jury member John Anderson for a bite to eat. It’s always great to sit down with others and talk about the state of the industry, especially Self-Distribution, and its many different forms. This is to be the subject of an upcoming piece John is writing, and I for one can’t wait to see how it all comes together.

Afterwards, we joined a small group of cast and crew for a private VIP reception to celebrate the night’s upcoming hot ticket. Everyone from the beautiful and oh so sweet Alexa Vega, to many executives and crew were in attendance.

The film was introduced by Fangoria’s own Tony Timpone and director Bousmann was flanked by 2 beautiful costume clad nurses in red masks. This pomp and circumstance was a perfect fit for the film.

REPO: THE GENETIC OPERA, has been a well traveled project; from a small theatre production to short film to the theatrical incarnation, all of this guided ever so carefully by Bousmann.

The film is a stunning, creative and ingeniously gruesome rock opera. Intercutting graphic novel comic panels into a goth cyber punk universe that is equal parts BLADE RUNNER and ROCKY HORROR. It tells the story of a young girl (Alexa Vega), stricken by a blood disease, who’s doctor father (Buffy’s Anthony Stewart Head) is forced to hide her for safety reasons, as he secretly pays of a debt as a vicious organ repo man for Geneco a vicious biotech conglomerate. Geneco is the company that rules the land, run by the tyrannical Rotti Largo, played by veteran character actor Paul Sorvino, who attempts to lure our young heroine into his clutches with promises of unearthing secrets and leaving his company to her, a plan which alarms his 3 maniacal and cracked children, played with gusto by Bill Moesley, Nivek Ogre from Skinny Puppy and Paris Hilton.

A special note needs to be made as many have criticized casting the hotel heiress/ tabloid temptress. Truth be told she is outstanding here; sexy, funny and she sings her ass off.

If this breaks through, then hopefully it will provide her an opportunity to really step out of the dark shadow that has been cast over her public persona.

The music in this film is well composed, catchy and incredibly well performed by all involved and the film keeps the gore flowing to the bitter, glorious end. Also keep an eye peeled for a kick ass cameo from rock goddess Joan Jett.

REPO: THE GENETIC OPERA definitely rocks!