Sean -

This is a tricky one. There have been so many notable torture movie scenes - whether in police stations, out houses, fancy apartments or futuristic space stations - that I think you had a tough challenge.

You've got some good photography, interesting crossing-the-line angles and at least one strong performace (from your torturer) - but for me your weakness is your under-developed former school bully.

Interegation/torture scenes are about power and great ones are about the shifting balance of that power. Unless you just want to be sadistic, throw in a groovy soundtrack and play it for painful laughs. But I don't think you want to be Tarantino. School bullying and the psychological impact it has on people is a serious issue. I think it might've been more effective if your torturer was far less in control. Maybe seemingly at the start, but losing it as the scene progressed. Old relationships can continue where they left off - the scars remain. By showing your former bully at his old ways - even tied up and hurt - we can see the effect he had on this once innocent child. Then we could've truely understood what damage was done all those years ago.

Your film's most obvious connection is with the wonderfully dark "Swimming With Sharks". Except there you had a whole film of flashbacks and torture scenes to develop the relationship - one in which the man tied up eventually became partners in crime with the man who wanted to kill him - because that was how you got ahead in Hollywood.

Good luck with the next one.

Ben

i sensed this film lacked originality, and that may be because it is a reminder of 'swimming with the sharks'. The story could have been a little stronger. i loved the BCUs and CU shots, they really drew me into the story. I must admit also that your synopsis gives to much away and i felt that there was little left to unveil. I'm interested in your casting also. Why was the 'torturer' (as put by earlier comments) a black man? Was this a conscious decision? Because I saw him as the victim, and thought you were going to link it to some sort of past racial abuse. Instead the bully is made to look like the innocent rational victim and the black man made to look like the bully.

This film seems full of rage and perhaps the director is getting his (filmic) revenge and laying some ghosts. It's a powerful piece, though i would agree with another comment on this page, the former bully could have spluttered and talked a little more, i think anyone would in that situation. The closing two lines of dialogue are spot on though and say it all. As broodingly violent as this film is, maybe it should be shown in schools ;o) four stars.

scenes like this are very tricky - as soon as you feel a reminiscence of 'Swimming with Sharks'blurring the memory, it's a hard act to follow - I liked it, it had substance - personally, I would have made more of the noises involving bodily harm to add some guts to it and possibly some music to support the intensity - some sharp, short shots to add anticipation and insecurity for the viewer- otherwise a brave attempt - many thanks.

Excellent, powerful film; terrific performances. Looked fantastic, brilliant colour scheme.