Rating: NNN
it took divine inspiration and $40,000 for Lee Gordon Demarbre to make Jesus Christ Vampire Hunter, a campy horror/comedy/musical that shows just how far a shoestring budget can be stretched. Shot in and around Ottawa, it stars Phil Caracas as the saviour, who takes time out from baptizing folks to battle a band of vampires who are devouring the capital city’s lesbian population.
Now, don’t expect glossy production values — the sound is dubbed, the acting is raw and the action sequences are hilariously mechanical — but, Jesus, this movie is fun and completely watchable.
Writer/director/cinematographer/editor Demarbre made a name for himself in Ottawa with his two previous features, the 70s-inspired action flicks Harry Knuckles and Harry Knuckles And The Treasure Of The Aztec Mummy, which was even invited to the Cannes Film Festival. This student of cheesy cinema prefers Dawn Of The Dead to Citizen Kane, and why not?
We already have enough hungry Canadian filmmakers who insist on making art movies.
This country’s cinema needs to lighten up and have some fun, which is why you should check out Demarbre’s cut-rate camp. ingridr@nowtoronto.com
jesus christ
vampire hunter written, directed
and produced by Lee Gordon Demarbre,
with Phil Caracas, Murielle Varhelyi, Maria
Moulton, Ian Driscoll and Josh Grace. 85
minutes. An Odessa Filmworks production
and release. Screens Thursday and
Sunday (February 7 and 10) at the Royal.
For times, see Rep Cinemas, page 87.
Rating:
NNN
