Director: Dorff’s performance ‘Oscar-caliber’
There’s a light at the end of the tunnel for the cast and crew of “Hand of Glory,” which began filming Aug. 1 in the Chicago area. Shooting was tentatively to be completed in August, but writer/director Stuart Wahlin indicates principal photography should be completed within a matter of weeks.
The dark thriller stars Heather Dorff, who will be hosting this year’s Chicago Horror Film Festival, where her latest film, “What They Say,” will premiere. “Hand of Glory” also stars Darren Marlar as Joseph, a lonely widower eager for the affection of Karen (Dorff), whose troubled past seems to stand between them. In desperation, Joseph employs an old legend–a hand of glory–in an effort to unlock her heart.
It’s rumored the film will initially be released online in four episodic, serialized installments, but Wahlin assured that “Hand of Glory” would also be presented as a seamless work at festivals and other screenings.
The new director seemed uncomfortable with the horror label, however.
“I mean, the film has its moments, but it’s not what I really consider horror. People get killed, but it’s not a gore fest, you know?” he said. “It’s dark and creepy, but it’s also kind of fun and quirky, I think. It’s really just a strange little tale with some turns I hope no one expects.”
But it’s the film’s cast and crew Wahlin seems most proud of. Although Dorff is well-known in the regional horror scene, Wahlin asserted she’s no scream queen.
“The girl’s really got chops, and what she’s been showing us on the set has been Oscar-caliber, really. I think she’s destined for big things, and I was lucky to get her, considering how busy she is,” he lauded. “But from the day I started writing it, Heather was my first choice.”
Dorff’s co-star, Marlar, is a newer face, but Wahlin appeared equally impressed.
“He definitely has a strong background as an entertainer. He’s well trained in his craft and a real pleasure to work with. Glad I could snag him before everyone else around here discovers him,” Wahlin added with a laugh. “Seriously, the guy’s good. Very versatile.
“I mean, jeez, it can be pretty hard to live up to whatever the writer imagines. But they both know exactly what I’m looking for—the depth, the complexity, the inner struggles. I can’t imagine anyone bringing more life to these characters than Heather and Darren have,” Wahlin asserted. “I’m very lucky.”
Wahlin also threw praise at director of photography Justin R. Romine (director of “Afraid of Sunrise,” which will also premiere at CHFF).
“He’s the guy who keeps me from freaking out and breaking down when we’re thrown a curve,” he explained. “He’s a real friend, and he’s very capable at everything he does in film. Being my first DSLR filming experience, having someone you can really count on behind the camera was extremely important to me. …I’ve got 99 problems to deal with at any given time, but worrying about whether Justin’s getting it right isn’t one of them.”
Although hesitant to commit to a release date, Wahlin would only say the film should reach screens by the end of the year. He wasn’t ready to confirm a rumored sequel, either.
“Well, I don’t want to get ahead of myself. We’ll see how this one is received first. If there’s a demand for it, the story can pick up where it leaves off. That’s all,” he responded. “And I couldn’t do it without Heather and Darren, so I’ve gotta make sure they both like how this one turns out. But yeah, I don’t think I’m really giving anything away by saying ‘Hand of Glory’ ends on kind of a downer. I just want people to understand that it’s more of a cliffhanger than an ending. …You remember how ‘The Empire Strikes Back’ really dropped some sh*t on you and left you hanging on a real down note?’ …Same kind of thing here.”
Chuckling loudly, Wahlin closed by saying, “Please don’t print that I just compared this to ‘Star Wars.’”
