| Finale | |
|---|---|
| Directed by | John Michael Elfers |
| Produced by | Michael Elkin and Marisa Wahl |
| Written by | John Michael Elfers |
| Starring | Carolyn von Hauck Suthi Picotte Domiziano Arcangeli |
| Music by | Shawn Clement and James Speight |
| Cinematography | Ryan Stevens Harris |
| Editing by | Edward H. Stanley |
| Studio | Fire Trial Films |
| Distributed by | Image Entertainment |
| Release date(s) | March 29, 2009 (A Night of Horror) |
| Running time | 93 minutes |
| Country | United States |
| Language | English |
Finale is a 2009 horror film directed by John Michael Elfers and starring Carolyn von Hauck. Inspired by actual events from the director's life, FINALE is reminiscent of Suspiria, Hellraiser and Rosemary's Baby, shot in super 16mm to capture an authentic 1970s feel, with all practical in-camera effects, borrowed from the lost arts of early film magicians.
The film was released in the United States on May 25, 2010, after premiering at A Night of Horror in Sydney Australia, and Screamfest in the U.S. in 2009.[1]
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My oldest brother hanged himself when I was 12, and my mother retreated into grief-stricken denial and paranoia, blaming his death on the planned sacrifice of a demonic cult. I wrote FINALE to face my demons, telling the story from her perspective.
My team landed grants from Kodak and Panavision, then set out for the post-industrial wasteland on the outskirts of my hometown, shooting in backwoods, abandoned houses, down dirt roads, crypt-like passages and cemeteries - desolate, haunting, forgotten places.
We ran through flames, blasted a prosthetic head with shotguns, got held up at gunpoint by police who mistook us for burglars, the FBI found our prop pipe-bombs and shut down the highway to blow them up.
We lived on location and worked without heat or running water in the dead of winter. I stunt-doubled for actors, even dressed in drag with my legs shaved.
I gave up all stability, even lived out of my car to see FINALE to completion. I took a leap of faith to chase my dreams - a trial by fire - and we passed.
The film received positive reviews from LA Weekly,[3] Arrow in the Head,[4] and Digital Retribution.[5]