Weekend At Bernie’s this is not.
When I got this film in the mail and I read the title Dead Hooker In A Trunk the first thing that crossed my mind was Hobo With A Shotgun which is one of the more unpleasant films I’ve seen in a while. But when I saw that it was written, produced, directed and starred twin sisters, I had a little hope for it.
Two sisters, one good (Jen Soska) one bad (Sylvia Soska), their dug addled friend (Rikki Gagne) and the good sister’s religious boyfriend (C.J. Wallis who also shot and edited the film and wrote original music) head out to pick up some drugs when they find a dead body in the trunk of their car. They assume it’s a hooker and the bad sister can’t remember the night before and doesn’t know if she killed said hooker or not. So instead of calling the police the group proceed to make every wrong and illogical decision they could possibly make.
I’ll give this film props in that sisters Jen and Sylvia Soska wrote, produced, directed and starred in the film together. Sadly, that’s about the nicest thing I can say about it. The gore is pretty over the top and blood splatters ever which way. Limbs, eyes and intestines are just a few of the body parts you’ll see severed from the body. So if you’re into that, that’s a plus. Also, they use fake blood and no CGI which most film in this budget range do and that I greatly appreciated. However, the film does miss out on the opportunity to beat someone with a severed limb, and in a film like this, there really is no excuse for that.
Like I said above, the film lacks any semblance of logic every step of the way. None of the characters are painted likable or interesting giving the viewer very little to invest in emotionally. They didn’t even bother to give the characters names – the credits list them as Geek, Badass, Junkie and Goody Two Shoes. The acting waivers throughout the film, being okay at times and very flat and wooden at other times. The production value is pretty solid for a low budget, self-produced film, but it’s rarely interesting and the ending left much to be desired.
Directing and acting in the same film is a very difficult task that few can pull off successfully. I just don’t think the Soska Sisters were ready to spread themselves that thin. Hopefully they will grow as filmmakers and actors and make higher quality films in the future.
The film is presented in 2.35:1 widescreen and 2.0 Dolby Digital. For the budget this film was shot with, this is a pretty decent looking film. The audio isn’t always that great at times, but overall the Soska sisters did a pretty good job putting this film together.
Deleted & Alternate Scenes: (5 min.) Not terrible, but it’s obvious why these were deleted. Behind The Scenes: (15 min.) It’s obvious these people had fun making this film and that is highlighted here. Interview: (2 min.) The sisters have a short chat with Carlos Gallardo who starred in El Mariachi which was their insperation to make a film. Trailer
While I Dead Hooker In A Trunk overall, I do have to appreciate a film with lines of dialog like “Hey, guys, my f*cking arm is ripped off.” I appreciate that the Soska Sisters made this film all themselves; I know how much it takes to make a film, especially outside the studio system, which makes me want to like the film more than I did. But sadly, it didn’t strike the right cords with me.
IFC Films presents Dead Hooker In A Trunk. Written and Directed by: Jen & Sylvia Soska. Starring: Jen Soska, Sylvia Soska, Rikki Gagne and C.J. Wallis. Running time: 110 min. Rating: Not Rated, however contains graphic violence and gore and vulgar language. Released on DVD: January 31, 2012. Available at Amazon.com.
