Good Performances in Low Budget Films. Elizabeth Moore, Jessica Cooper and Ramon Flores. Mortuary Girls. By Brian Kirst
Like them or no, there are very few good actors-celebrities-media whores who don’t have a modicum of presence. They have that flash or vibe or what-have-you that makes you pay attention to them even as they are lost in character. The lack of this pizzazz, as we all know, can be one of the primary problems of extremely low budget productions. Directors have to rely on friends or family or performers who are willing to work for free or next to nothing — an often deadly and bland combination.
While this scenario is somewhat the case with Mortuary Girls, there are surprisingly more subtle performances than normal here and the project even contains several performers who display true presence and appeal.
While this first feature film effort from documentarian Mark Gumbinger is far from perfect (the shots are often static with the performers seemingly wandering through space or even being cut in half in certain scenarios), he does work at times with a subtlety rarely seen in a slasher film and indulges in an interesting set-up to his story – including a very meaningful narration devise that sets this film apart from others of its class. (Plus – you just gotta love that title!)
Those expecting plenty of nakedness and the grue strewn tactics that the film’s unrated box cover implies, may be disappointed as well. In 2007 article Gumbinger describes the film as “PG-13″ and that is essentially true. Still, there are some effective and cringe worthy moments to be had including a slow insertion of a fluid draining apparatus, a beheading and an over-the-top electrocution.
Other interesting aspects of the tale include a twist that has a vengeful girl working in collaboration with the mortuary dwelling maniac. Her surprise when her prank turns deadly is genuine and there are also some amusing moments that occur when an older professor tries to romance a younger colleague. Gumbinger also has a true sense of the various shades of right and wrong and employs a variety of colors of guilt and responsibility to his characters.
Gumbinger is aided immensely by three performers who brighten up his blood strewn landscape. As the psychiatrist of main villain Victor, Jessica Cooper displays a luxurious beauty and never hits a wrong note in her performance. Likewise, Elizabeth Moore as a young English professor and Ramon Flores as Doug, one of the doomed college students, also display true camera appeal and while their performances aren’t as assured as Cooper’s, one believes that with time and a sure hand, they could both find themselves among the steadily employed.
So, grab a few beers (one each for Cooper, Moore and Flores) and a few friends – the perfect conditions for viewing a picture like Mortuary Girls!
