Horror Palace

Video Diary Of A Lost Girl

Year: 2012

Studio: Independent

Director: Lindsay Denniberg

Stars: Priscilla McEver, Casey Puccini, Chris Shields

Language: English (USA)

Length: 1:35

Sub-Genre: Demon, Artsy, Feminism

Let me start this review by saying that certain viewers will probably find this film magical. I, however, do not fit into that category. I am not in the target audience.  I can see the level of thought and expression that was captured, but it doesn’t appeal to me in very many ways. I feel confident it won’t appeal to you either.

Synopsis: A young woman who works in a video rental store realizes that the man she has been having a relationship with is the ghost of a former lover. That is because she is basically the offspring of the first female creation, Lillith. She is a Lillin, or a succubus. when she copulates, the male participant dies.  She is torn. She really loves this man, but if she follows the relationship to its natural destination, he will die. If she doesn’t, SHE will die.

Video Diary of A Lost Girl is a film that most viewers will probably turn off in the first 10 minutes. Only the artistic/creative types will ever venture further.  It begins with a setup scene, shot on video with many green screen effects and blacklight color elements that portray Lillith’s betrayal and rape by Adam. Lillith leaves for the red sea and copulates with many demons and gives birth to a new race of females: The Lillins. They are basically succubi.

After the intro credits, the story becomes a pinch more conventional, however it is still shot in the garish tones of a black light poster and the scenes are more reminiscent of a stage production than that of a motion picture. The acting is less that stellar, but there are a few moments one can get lost in. The lines are campy, but a few manage to get a chuckle. One happens when the suitor of Louise (the main character) puts on 3D glasses at Nosferatu. Louise says, “You do know this isn’t in 3D?” to which he remarks. “No. But YOU are.” That’s about as good as it gets in this flick.

The writing is a mixed bag. I actually like the idea of the conflicted Lillin, Louise. Trying to decide whether to follow her desires and love the man who is in love with her (which will result in his death),  or follow her heart and die by not copulating with him. The execution is another thing. The script is mostly boring, and not delivered well by the actors.

Then there is the visual presentation. The cinematography is adequate. everything is in frame. It is captured well enough. It is shot overwhelmingly with green screen effects with dayglo tones. It is simply not for everyone. It is merciless in it’s presentation of this style. You will either like it or hate it. I liked it…for a while. But watching over one and a half hours of this style was tedious to me, and I feel most viewers will share my sentiments. I did like some of the creative uses of video static in the moon and Louise’s menstrual blood. Credit that to green screen cinematographer, Taylor Wood.

As far as the acting goes, Priscilla McEver is by far the best actor, but her good moments are a bit sporadic. Also of note is Casey Puccini who portrays Louise’s boss at the video store. He provides a bit of stability, ironically.

The music was by far the most appealing part of this movie for me. It is a driving soundtrack of alternative, new wave sounds. Some of the tracks are reminiscent of Siousxie and the Banshees, which was cool. there are also some cool low key electronica spots during transitional moments that I found enjoyable. Another inclusion that helped this movie along was the interspersed clips of great old (public domain) horror flicks including, Nosferatu, Night of the Living Dead and Carnival of Souls.

This movie will appeal to a narrow segment of the movie-going public, but even more adventurous viewers will find that Video Diary of a Lost Girl leaves them cold.

Reviewer: Boss Butcher

Date: 11/10/2012

DVD: N/A

Rating: 3/10

Recommendation: Avoid