PopHorror Let's Get Scared
A picture is worth 1,000 words. Not only is there a lot to say about the photograph itself – the subject, the color, the tone, the angle – but it also says a lot about the photographer. Why did they choose to take that particular photo? In The Final Photograph, Josh Mowatt and Gary Berger’s second P.P. Urpansoph Films project, we get to see inside the mind of one photographer who may or may not have more than photography on his mind.
From the creators of Servus de Infernum, The Final Photograph was both co-written and co-directed by Gary Berger and Josh Mowatt. The two took turns producing, shooting and acting in the short. The Final Photograph also stars Servus de Infernum‘s Katie Monroe and composer Scott Slagle, author Dennis McDonald, Sabrina and Cheryl Corey, Kara Davis, Willie Harell, Sandra Kidd, Aubree Mowatt, Tino Pascuzzi and Deanna Trippler. As with their previous project, Berger and Mowatt took up the reigns of every other job to complete The Final Photograph, and it’s obvious that they’ve grown in both skill and self-confidence since then.
This short was much longer than their first, coming in at 13 minutes. The filmmakers also ventured outside, shooting on location in parks and alleys where lighting and weather can be a nuisance. The film was narrated as well, so although there was no character dialogue per say, there was more than just Latin incantations being said. The narration was well thought out and deep, which is not something you usually get with horror shorts. The cast itself was much bigger, and the “trapped in the photograph” effect was a really cool idea. While there was no blood in The Final Photograph, but that did not detract at all from the final product.
There was some stunning photography and camera work in this short. Each scene was perfectly lit and shot, and each accompanying photograph was gorgeous.
The Final Photograph is about a man who likes to take photos of strangers, but that’s all I’m going to say. I’m not going to spoil the film itself, since you can watch it below and form your own opinion. But I will say this: You have no idea who’s watching you, and you never know what random photo will be your last.
Watch The Final Photograph below. Keep your eyes peeled for Dennis McDonald’s book Undead Flesh as well as the Charlie Manson shoutout. Let us know what you think in the comments!
