Third Contact
| Third Contact | |
|---|---|
| Directed by | Simon Horrocks |
| Screenplay by | Simon Horrocks |
| Produced by | Simon Horrocks |
| Cinematography | Simon Horrocks |
| Edited by | Simon Horrocks |
| Music by |
|
Release date |
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Running time | 85 minutes |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Language | English |
| Budget | £4000 |
Third Contact is a 2012 British psychological thriller film written and directed by Simon Horrocks. Shot on a camcorder for less than £4000 the film tells the story of a psychotherapist who becomes involved in a personal investigation into the mysterious suicides of two clients. The film received its world premiere at the Internationale Hofer Filmtage on 25 October 2012 in Hof.[1]
Synopsis
Psychotherapist David Wright runs a private practice in London but is struggling to motivate himself. Memories of lost love torment him, while Rene, a client, has committed suicide and David is now in such a state he considers following the same path. Meanwhile, another client also talks of suicide; but this is "quantum suicide" – a thought experiment which implies immortality for conscious beings. Rene's sister, Erika Maurer, finds his apartment is almost empty except for one cup, spoon, fork and knife, frames without pictures, a torn family photo and a list of memories – four dated descriptions of specific moments in his life. David meets Erika, as she seeks to understand his state of mind, and the two damaged souls look to each other for some kind of comfort. Another client, Helen, acting strangely, walks out of her session. But when he discovers Helen has met the same fate as Rene, leaving behind another mysterious list of memories, David is drawn into an obsessive investigation, determined to find out who or what is responsible before any more lives are lost.
Release
After successfully raising £15,000 on kickstarter.com for theatrical distribution, the film received its global premiere at the BFI IMAX on 2 September 2013.
Reception
Critic Thomas Rothschild said, "It is no exaggeration to say it's quite the masterpiece and a sensational debut by Horrocks, director and cameraman."[2] Ralph Sziegoleit wrote, "An inner journey is described in this difficult but fascinating film. One of the kind that quite often was the beginning of a great career."[3] Katie-Jane Hall said it was difficult "to convey the sheer artistic brilliance and visual beauty that the work possesses".[4]
References
- ^ Hofer Filmtage. Retrieved on 18 October 2012
- ^ Rothschild, Thomas, "Geist von 1968" Retrieved 1 November 2014.
- ^ Sziegoleit, Ralph, "einer Goldmine voller Ideen". Retrieved 1 November 2014.
- ^ Hall, Katie-Jane (6 March 2013). "Review: Third Contact". The London Film Review. Retrieved 1 November 2014.