Harald Eilertsen - harald@hub.volse.no

Harald Eilertsen

harald@hub.volse.no

Volse Hub admin

Hjemmeside:: https://volse.anduin.net/~haraldei

Ravenheart International Film Festival, Oslo 29-31 aug, 2019

Harald Eilertsen

Fri, 08 Feb 2019 15:38:42 +0100

A new festival for horror, sci-fi, fantasy and cult films in Oslo, Norway: https://www.ravenheartfilmfestival.com/

Takes place at the Cinemateque in Oslo, August 29-31, 2019!

#horror #film #festival #oslo #norway

Film Horror

A Quiet Place (USA, 2018)

Harald Eilertsen

Thu, 07 Feb 2019 13:07:30 +0100

There's quite a few horror movies where silence plays a role, but I can't think of many where silence almost has the leading role. Don't Breathe (2016) comes close, but not quite to the level of A Quiet Place. The sound design is not the only thing about this movie, though. The attention to details, the way the story unfolds and the performance of the actors all play well together to create an intriguing story and just the intensity it needs. I think the monsters are a bit too much, and we see too much of them – a very common mistake, but it does not hurt the film too much. All in all a great film!

#horror #film #silence

Film Horror

h.ear.t

Thu, 07 Feb 2019 17:07:52 +0100

Yes, sounds very interesting, especially for someone like me who very much enjoys a good sound design. Alas, the genre is 100% not for me. But I had seen a review on TV and the extracts looked very interesting. For example the sound when the monster adjusts it's ears has been created by breaking celery plus some added effects. Breathtakingly awesome.

Harald Eilertsen

Thu, 07 Feb 2019 19:28:57 +0100

Yes, sound design and foley are things that interest me too. It's quite incredible how much imagination that goes into creating some of the sounds!

That said, while I definitely think this film belongs in the horror genre, it's not a monster flick. It's mostly about suspense and trying to figure out what's going on. I think it's a good film regardless of genre. Give it a try!

Falling Down (USA, 1993)

Harald Eilertsen

Mon, 04 Feb 2019 20:43:52 +0100

I remember I really liked this film when I first saw it in the mid 1990's. And it definitely has it's moments, the homage to Fellini's 8 1/2 as the opening scene is really well done and just as intense as it has to be – though a tad more realistic than the original. The early 90's/late 80's police environment feels dated, but at the same time cool exactly because of its outdated coolness factor. What doesn't work as well is the leading role. Michael Douglas does an excellent job portraying him, but the character is an utterly unsympathetic, self centred, nationalistic dickhead. As a social commentary it would work a lot better with a less unsympathetic leading role. Also I think the contrast between the determinism of the main character, and the too whimsical police department does not work as well today as it did in the early 90's.

Still, I still think it's a film worth watching, if you haven't done so already. It's a good reference for it's time, the film is well made and as said, it does have it's great moments.

#film

Film

show all 5 kommentarer

[D*] Frank Dapor #podmin

Mon, 04 Feb 2019 20:56:27 +0100 fra Diaspora

I like the fastfood performance - because I get angry every time I will eat a cheeseburger at 8 am, and ther is no - becuase of breakfast time !!!!!

Harald Eilertsen

Mon, 04 Feb 2019 21:00:46 +0100

Yeah, that one I completely identify with as well. But rather than pulling out automatic weapons, I stopped going to these places. I know! I'm a rebel! :)

[D*] Frank Dapor #podmin

Mon, 04 Feb 2019 21:03:48 +0100 fra Diaspora

LOL - sure no guns

its not as complicated as in US - beacuse of the restrictive gun laws ^^

Slave to the Grind (Canada, 2018)

Harald Eilertsen

Sun, 27 Jan 2019 20:06:37 +0100

For grindcore fans, this documentary about the genre is definitely a must! It's absolutely awesome to see so many of the people influential to the genre tell their part, but I miss a bit more depth into the origins and history of grindcore. Still a great watch! For people new to the genre or don't know much about it, this can be a great glimpse into what drives people to enjoy this style of music.

You can rent or buy it DRM free here: https://www.reelhouse.org/deathbydigital/slave-to-the-grind

#grindcore #punk #metal #film #documentary

Film Music Documentary

Hevi Reissu (Finland, 2018)

Harald Eilertsen

Sat, 26 Jan 2019 12:44:33 +0100

English title: Heavy Trip

This is a hilarious Finnish comedy about a metal band from a small village in finland, and their journey to play at a renowned Norwegian metal festival. An underground black metal version of This is Spinal Tap if you will, but the Icelandic film Metalhead also comes to mind. Great fun! Probably even more fun for those of us who know the genre, and have spent years of our lives in murky rehearsal dungeons.

#film #metal #finland #comedy

Film

Thelma (Norway, 2017)

Harald Eilertsen

Sat, 19 Jan 2019 15:03:45 +0100

Joachim Trier is a director that gives a story time tell itself. There's no rush, and no unnecessary dialogue to explain what's going on. We are let to observe and draw our own conclusions. This is exactly what makes a film like Thelma stand out.

We follow young Thelma as a freshman student in the big city (Oslo,) haunted by her rural childhood home and strict Christian upbringing. The conflict between her past and the temptations of her new life in the city brings out something inside her she has no control over. This is a far darker film than what it seems on the surface. I was unsure whether to classify this as a horror film or not, but decided for it due to its atmosphere and its slant towards the supernatural. It is definitely a film that can be appreciated by people outside of the regular horror fans as well.

#horror #film #norway #thelma

Film Horror

Spring (USA, 2014)

Harald Eilertsen

Sat, 12 Jan 2019 20:33:17 +0100

I really loved this film when I first saw it at Ramaskrik some years back. Seeing it again leaves a slightly lesser impression, but it's still a visually beautiful and romantic monster story. I think the characters work fairly well together, especially the main character Evan (Lou Taylor Pucci) and the old farmer Angelo (Francesco Carnelutti) is a great couple. The touristy nameless Italian village is also a great setting for the film. Where it falls short is that the the character of the female lead Louise (Nadia Hilker) seems too shallow for her story. Excellently played, though, but the character itself is not very beleivable.

Apart from that. a very enjoyable film with a lot of small visual details and premonitions throughout.

#film #romance #monster

Film

La vie d'Adèle (France, 2013)

Harald Eilertsen

Sat, 29 Dec 2018 16:27:43 +0100 sist endret: Sat, 29 Dec 2018 16:28:48 +0100

English title: Blue is the warmest color

This is a slow, romantic and for the most part very beautiful film. The dynamic between the young and insecure Adèle just discovering her sexuality, and the more mature and confident Emma is portrayed wonderfully. There's in my opinion a tad too much focus on the intimate relationship between the two, while Adèle's reluctance to come out with her sexual orientation, and her relationship to her family, collegues and friends is left hanging without resolution. Still a great film worth watching, though.

#film #romance #sexuality #lgbt

Film

nadloriot

Sat, 29 Dec 2018 18:35:54 +0100 fra Diaspora

great movie

Harald Eilertsen

Sat, 29 Dec 2018 21:00:24 +0100

@nadloriot Yes, I agree, though less focus on the sex scenes, and more on the people around would have made it even better imo. From the end credits it seemed like it's at least meant to be part one of two. Not sure if there ever was (any plans for) part two?

The Texas Chainsaw Massacre (USA, 1974)

Harald Eilertsen

Thu, 27 Dec 2018 19:43:04 +0100

It's been ages since I saw Tobe Hoopers timeless classic for the first time, and it's been on my list for a rewatch for quite a while. While the legend is probably greater than the movie itself, I think the film still holds a good grasp on its audience. It was not the only, but definitely one of the main reasons the Norwegian film review board for home videos were established in the early '80s, and thus caused a thriving underground scene for trading uncut and banned horror films in Norway. Ah those were the days... But I digress.

The film is remarkably restrained in it's portrayal of violence compared to the later films it has inspired. There's virtually no blood to be seen, and while the chainsaw is waved about ferociously, we never (with one exception) get to see it actually cut into any humans. At the same time it's sinister score, cinematography and narrative style is unsurpassed in the genre, even though it has been attempted copied many times.

That said, this is a disturbing and exceptionally violent film which definitely isn't everybody's cup of tea. If on the other hand, you only have seen the films it inspired, or the imo quite bad 2003 remake, check out the original and you're in for a treat!

#horror #slasher #film #movie #legendary

Film Horror

Monster (USA, 2003)

Harald Eilertsen

Wed, 26 Dec 2018 23:46:17 +0100

This movie followed me home sortof by accident. I found a split release with The Others (2001) and Monster in the same box at a second hand shop, so home it came. Since I knew nothing about the film, I had no expectations either. However the films surprised me in a positive way.

Charlize Theron does a great role as the prostitute serial killer Aileen Wuornos. Despite the title this is not a horror film, but rather a tragic drama about two women on the run from quite different worlds, both outsiders in their own way, that try to find a life together. The dynamic between the two, the rowdy prostitute Aileen and the more insecure, coming out lesbian Selby (played by Christina Ricci) carries the film to the very end.

#film #drama

Film

Get Out (USA, 2017)

Harald Eilertsen

Wed, 26 Dec 2018 17:16:23 +0100

A film I didn't expect too much from. I've heard really good things about it, but for some reason it never excited me. How wrong I was! This is a masterpiece of good old fashioned suspense horror at it's finest! The story unfolds slowly, and keeps you alert and wondering throughout the movie. The complete lack of jump scares and most of the now almost mandatory tropes in every film is refreshing and a joy to watch. An intense film based solely on its story is rare in todays cinema. Highly recommended!

#horror #suspense #film #movie

Film Horror

pianomad

Wed, 26 Dec 2018 18:06:24 +0100 fra Diaspora

Thanks for the recommendation. I rarely admit to being a fan of horror, because most of the genre has become so formulaic and crass that people regard my taste in film to be low-brow. In fact I can’t remember the last time I actively sought out a recent horror film. I’m looking forward to checking this one out.

Birne Helene

Wed, 26 Dec 2018 18:21:12 +0100 fra Diaspora

Good to know, thank you! Like pianomad I'm not a fan of horror movies, but I'll remember your recommendation the next time this film crosses my way (so to speak).

Harald Eilertsen

Wed, 26 Dec 2018 22:28:16 +0100

@pianomad @Birne Helene Hope you will like it too!

I am a fan of the genre, but would be lying if I didn't admit there's a lot of crap too. Still I find horror to be a genre where both story and form is allowed a lot of freedom compared to the standard hollywood recipe. As with all genres the gems are usually to be found among the independent or non-US films. Get out is one of the rare exceptions.

Låt den rätte komma inn (Sweden, 2008)

Harald Eilertsen

Wed, 26 Dec 2018 12:55:23 +0100

English title: Let the right one in.

I loved this film when I watched it in the cinema on its release. Finally got to watch it again this weekend, only took me ten years (Hell how time flies!) I still find it a great film that holds up very well. This is much more a romance than a horror as such. The growing relationship between the young bullied Oskar and Eli is at the centerpiece of the film making it warm and cozy, all the while not saving on the horror elements. As a kid more or less on the sme age as the main characters at the same time (early '80s,) it hits the nostalgia nerve quite well too. I highly recommend this one, even for people who don't traditionally like horror films.

There's also an american remake of this, of course. If you were unlucky enough to have seen that one instead of the original, you have been deprived of a great film!

#horror #film #movie #sweeden #1980s #nostalgia #romance

Film Horror

Martyrs (France, 2008)

Harald Eilertsen

Tue, 25 Dec 2018 19:47:52 +0100

I've been wanting to see Martyrs for ages. I can't remember when I first saw the trailer, but it has been on my list for years! While known for it's violence, I think the story, and how it unfolds are the real strengths of this film. It's a unique, chilling and well told story that only reveals its full plot at the very end. Well done!

There's also a US remake from 2015. Why anybody would want to bother with that is beyond me! See the original!

#horror #film #movie #france #martyrs

Film Horror

Tanja

Tue, 25 Dec 2018 21:26:26 +0100

Why anybody would want to bother with that is beyond me!

Well, that's pretty much all that Hollywood can come up with these days - remakes, reboots, and sequels. They don't have any new ideas.

Harald Eilertsen

Tue, 25 Dec 2018 22:51:10 +0100

They manage sometimes, but not very often. Luckily there's plenty of great movies from the rest of the planet, sadly they're not always easily available.

Ramaskrik 2018 - Day 4

Harald Eilertsen

Tue, 23 Oct 2018 11:19:55 +0200 sist endret: Tue, 15 Jan 2019 12:07:33 +0100

Sunday was the fourth and last day of the Ramaskrik Horror film festival. Only two more films on my programme until the festival was over, and there was time to catch the train back home.

Bilde/fotografi

The House That Jack Built (2018, Denmark): Lars von Trier is an artist, and has always been one of my favourite directors. So I was quite excited about this one. The film does not disappoint. This is probably the most lighthearted film he has made since The Idiots (1998, Denmark), but as always there's a dark shadow the underlines everything. Humorous, philosophical, dark. Well worth the two and a half hour of your life!

Bilde/fotografi

Videomannen (The Videoman, 2018, Sweden): A trip down nostalgia lane for those of us who grew up with VHS, 80's horror films and video rental shops. As director Kristian Söderström said himself when introducing the film, this is not a horror film, but a film about horror and VHS fans. A great film and a great ending of the festival on my part.

Then it's all over. The big empty sets in, and it's time to look forward to Ramaskrik 2019! Which according to unconfirmed rumors is to happen at Oct 17 - 20, 2019. Hope to see you there!

#horror #film #ramaskrik #ramaskrik2018

Ramaskrik Film Horror

Ramaskrik 2018 - Day 3

Harald Eilertsen

Mon, 22 Oct 2018 20:46:36 +0200 sist endret: Tue, 15 Jan 2019 12:07:53 +0100

Saturday, third day of Ramaskrik Horror Film Festival!

Bilde/fotografi

I started the day with I'll Take Your Dead (2018, Canada). A big surprise for my part, a film that's both sweet and somewhat brutal at the same time. More of a thriller with horror elements than a pure horror film, but a very good one at that. Highly recommended!

Bilde/fotografi

Puppet Master: The Littlest Reich (2018, USA). A horror/splatter complete with comic geeks, nazi puppets, collectors and a mad scientist. What could possibly go wrong? A very entertaining movie with a great number of fantastic splats!

Bilde/fotografi

Mandy (2018, USA) was a film that didn't quite catch me. Nicholas Cage plays Nicholas Cage as usual, the scenography, the cinematography, the sound and the music is all very beautiful, but it lacks the actual movie.

Bilde/fotografi

The Cleaning Lady (2018, USA) on the other hand, was a fantastic movie which managed to surprise and captivate on many levels. A great flick that will keep you thinking for quite a while afterwards. Highly recommended!

Bilde/fotografi

Anna and the Apocalypse (2017, UK). Ending the day with a wee bit of singing and dancing seemed like the obvios choice. While I usually enjoy musicals, especially the horror kind, this one failed to rock me. The songs are too forgettable, and the story is too traditional to captivate. It's not that it's a bad movie, it has it's moments, but falls short of being the partystarter I was hoping for. Others loved it though...

#horror #film #festival #ramaskrik #ramaskrik2018

Ramaskrik Horror Film

Ramaskrik 2018 - Day 2

Harald Eilertsen

Sat, 20 Oct 2018 08:29:47 +0200 sist endret: Tue, 15 Jan 2019 12:08:28 +0100

Another really great day at the Ramaskrik Horror Film Festival yesterday. Managed six films, sp was pretty baked by the end of the day.

Bilde/fotografi

What Keeps You Alive (2018, Canada): Very beautiful, and quite surprising plot. A tad long, but highly recommended!

Killungard (2018, Norway): Some of the key people behind O'Hellige Jul has made a traditional ghost story. It is an amateur production, but a very good one at that! Refreshing to see a pure ghost story in this setting.

Bilde/fotografi

The Dark (Austria/Canada): Refreshing and very different take on what falls a bit between a zombie and monster film, but in the end is neither. I liked this a lot, highly recommended!

Bilde/fotografi

You Shall not Sleep (2018, Spain/Argentine/Uruguay): Another film that goes it's own ways. A tad slow to begin with, but it really picks up as it progresses. Original and again a rather surprising story.

Terrified (Argentine): Well executed ghost/monster/haunted house film that still end up being a bit too traditional for my taste. It's far from a bad film, but I think it hits better for a slightly younger audience.

Ghost Storied (UK): An antology film that I feel did not deliver on it's premise. Again, not a bad film, quite entertaining at times, but a bit shallow and simplistic compared to what it promised. Some others liked this one very much though, so depends on your tastes.

#horror #film #festival #ramaskrik #norway

Ramaskrik Horror Film

Dead By Dawn 2018

Harald Eilertsen

Sat, 18 Aug 2018 17:01:04 +0200 sist endret: Tue, 15 Jan 2019 12:09:19 +0100

Finally I've managed to finish my report from the Dead by Dawn horror film festival in Edinburgh this April.

Bilde/fotografi

In April this year a group of friends organized a trip to the Dead By Dawn horror film festival in Edinburg. This was a new festival to me, even though it has been going strong for 25 whole years already! Landing in Edinburgh the day before the festival, we got to see a bit of the city, and did the mandatory intake of Haggis and Whisky. Nice town, and by the look of it, a perfect location for a horror film festival.

The festival is organized by Adéle Hartley, and takes place at the Edinburgh Filmhouse. A great location for this type of event, not at least because of it’s excellent bar. This became the natural place to hang out, mingle and get to know other enthusiasts between the screenings. The festival has a very personal and welcoming atmosphere. It’s a bit like this is Adéle sharing the films she loves with other horror and film fans. Given her enthusiasm for the subject and the taste and connections she obviously have, this is not a bad start. Add a great selection of films (a good mix of classics and new productions,) interesting guests and passion for the genre, and this was a weekend that could not go wrong.

Read the full report on my blog.

#horror #film #festival #DeadByDawn #edinburgh

Travels Festivals Horror Film