need opinions on a movie idea

[swiss tony]

Bava said that 'Photography in a horror film is 70% of it's effectiveness; it creates all the atmosphere'. As you have no budget, I'd imagine that rises to the high 90s.

[40ozfear]

There's not a lot on this guy, but i found a link to some info. wikipedia also has an article.

http://www.damninteresting.com/liver-eating-johnson

[40ozfear]

http://www.badassoftheweek.com/livereating.html

another good article...let the suggestions begin

[swiss tony]

He certainly led an interesting life. If you could get Clint Eastwood to at least consult on the production, I think it could be a winner.

Your locations and how well the violence is done are going to be key. It doesn't seem like the sort of movie that will be driven by compelling dialogue.

[40ozfear]

lol yea, i'll contact clint asap!

[Doc Faustus]

He's been doing fewer student films lately, I think. But I'm sure you could get Ernest Borgnine.

[bwind22]

Originally Posted by Ferox13

I presume since this is a school project it will also be zero budget - making it a period setting - is setting yourself a lot of problems from the get go.

Agreed 100%.

I'd recommend doing something along the lines of a slasher or ghost film (due to your likely budget). True, those have been done and done, that's why you will have to find a way to make a fresh one. Think outside the box.

[Doc Faustus]

Check out some of the films produced by Val Lewton for ideas on how horror can chill without loads of makeup effects. Or, if you want to move in the other direction, look to H.G Lewis for how to make cheap fun and engaging. Whatever you do, don't think Lion's Gate, don't think Brain Damage.

[Ferox13]

Put it in a comtempory setting, have Liver Eating Johnson a sort of Urban Legend/infamous character among the homeless community.

[swiss tony]

I really don't think this going to be a 'horror' but a western revenge movie. Why don't you watch Cutthroats 9 for a few ideas. Perhaps you could intentionally dub actors reading dialogue in Italian as an homage to the spaghetti westerns. It'd be a nice touch.:cool: