Written by: Michael Den Boer on April 12th, 2008
Theatrical Release Date: UK, 2006
Director: Gareth Evans
Cast: Nicholas Bool, Mads Koudal, Jared Morgan, Solitaire Mouneimne, Emma Powell, Sarah Lloyd
DVD released: December 11th, 2007
Approximate running time: 77 minutes
Aspect Ratio: 1.85:1 Letterboxed Widescreen
Rating: NR
Sound: Dolby Digital Stereo English
Subtitles: N/A
DVD Release: Unearthed Films
Region Coding: Region 1 NTSC
Retail Price: $19.99
Synopsis: Depressed after the death of his father Andrew becomes involved with a group of individuals who operate an underground snuff film operation. First time filmmaker Gareth Evans creates an uneven tale about one man’s downward spiral due to depression. The screenplay was also written by Gareth Evans. Visually the film has a documentary look to it and the pacing in the first forty five minutes is drawn out. The premise of a young man who is trying to ignore his depression through violence while interesting the film doesn’t really pay off until the final act. The films score is very effective with its driving chord progressions.
The lead performance of Nicholas Bool who portrays Andrew is this films strongest asset. Bool’s character is reminiscent to the Travis Bickle character in Taxi Driver. Both characters evolve in similar ways. The rest of the cast are all convincing in their various roles. The violence in the film is really well done and at times very realistic. The story is not just about violence and its take on redemption gives it more depth than the subplot about snuff films.
Far too often independent films like Footseps are overlooked or looked down upon because they feature many first time actors/actresses. This film despite its flaws works because it features performers who we have no emotional ties too. Ultimately Footsteps is film that shows a lot of promise from a first time filmmaker and those who make it all the way through to the film’s climax will be rewarded with an ended that will remain in your thoughts long after the film is over.
The DVD:
This release is loaded with extras with the two audio commentaries being the most interesting of the extras included. Other extras include The Making Of Footsteps (4 minutes), Cast And Crew Interviews – Nicholas Bool, Mads Koudal, Emma Powell (57 minutes), The VFX (2 minutes), The Dolly Rig (9 minutes), The Props (2 minutes), The Score (8 minutes), Old Vs. New Segment (3 1/2 minutes), Deleted Scenes, Alternate scene, Image Gallery and a trailer for “Footsteps” and trailers for other Unearthed Films titles. All the extra content is worthwhile and informative. Foosteps is one of Unearthed Films most impressive DVD releases to date.