There is something inherently loveable about shot-on-video movies. The idea of people pooling their own money to make a movie on a microscopic budget and filmed on a camcorder is rather uplifting in today's day and age of Hollywood gluttony. It's not about money or fame or a McDonald's tie-in drink cup (although sometimes those types of movies have their own twisted appeal), it's about getting visions and messages out there. It's about love of the art. That love shows through in every frame of Matthew Jason Walsh's Bloodletting.

We're introduced to the handiwork of a serial killer named Butch Harlow (James L. Edwards) in the opening discovery of a grisly crime scene. There's even a message (a bloody wink at the short that grew into Bloodletting) left behind one of the victim's heads. Outside of the scene of the crime, a lone woman seems to be taking a keen interest in the events unfolding. She is Serena Stalin (Ariauna Albright) and she's finally tracked down Butch Harlow, living under an alias and sporting a new face thanks to plastic surgery. Under the guise of a cosmetics saleswoman, she confronts Butch and gives him an ultimatum: teach her how to be a killer or her friend sends a letter to the police revealing Butch's whereabouts. Butch begrudgingly agrees, and Serena begins her brutal education in the methods of murder. However, Bonnie and Clyde these two ain't, as they bicker and fight constantly: Butch thinks Serena to be TOO enthusiastic for the kill, and Serena calls Butch a coward and a poseur. However, neither one is who they seem, which comes to a head in a violent confrontation at the film's end.

Bloodletting was amazingly entertaining. While it may be classified as a "horror/thriller," I found it to be a wonderfully black comedy. There's some very witty banter between the two leads, and James L. Edwards is amazingly solid as Butch. Walsh actually uses a few inventive camera shots (nice and refreshing for a SOV) and gives us some pretty heinous gore effects. There are a few scenes sure to offend and disgust, but it's presented in such an over-the-top manner it really doesn't hit as hard as it could have. The one beef with the movie is the rather forced "twist" ending. It takes whole chunks of the movie and forces us to forget them for the logic of the ending to work. It really kinda spat in the face of the viewer.

Picture quality was pretty damn good, considering the SOV nature. A few scenes were dark and grainy, but others were pretty damn nice looking. What stunned the hell out of me was the audio. Remixed in 5.1, it was exceptionally clear, with nice clear dialogue and crisp sounds. Besides an annoying hum that seemed to come and go as it pleased, the audio was prefect. Extras include a few trailers for other Tempe releases, a documentary, a still gallery, deleted scenes, and two VERY slick extras. One is I've Killed Before, the original 30-minute short that inspired Bloodletting. Featuring the same players and virtually the same plot (without an hour of story) it showed a good progression from seed to fruit. Speaking of fruit, check out James Edward's sexy vest and pirate shirt combo! I love the early nineties! Also included for you cats and kittens with DVD-ROM drives are the entire film soundtrack in MP3 format, and the screenplay in PDF. Very well done, Tempe!

While it may not turn the entire SOV horror sub genre on its ear, Bloodletting is one of the most entertaining indie films out there. I don't really have much else to say, so here's one final screencap: Cute semi-goth chicks!

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