Pornography: A Thriller
Encyclopedia
Pornography: A Thriller is a 2009 American mystery
/thriller film, written and directed by David Kittredge
.
Pornography: A Thriller is a non-linear story in three parts, all revolving around the disappearance of fictional adult gay film actor Mark Anton (Jared Grey). The first act depicts Anton's final days in 1995, the second is about writer Michael Castigan (Matthew Montgomery
) as he searches for the truth in 2009 about what happened to Anton, and the third revolves around 2009 adult film actor Matt Stevens's (Pete Scherer) attempt to make The Mark Anton Story, based in part on his dreams of what happened to Anton.
The film uses an unconventional structure, with actors playing multiple roles in different sections, and uses dream logic to tell its story through a subjective point of view. Because of this, it's been compared to the work of David Lynch
(most notably Lost Highway and Mulholland Dr.) and David Cronenberg
(notably Videodrome
).
Kittredge says about the structure, "We wanted to replicate the dream logic of a nightmare. So even though we don’t spell everything out for the audience, the film is still a complete whole and has its own fully formed arc that’s hopefully a satisfying whole."
The film was shot primarily with Panasonic HVX200 cameras, one outfitted with a PS Technik adapter, which gave the image a filmic depth of field and grain that emulated 16mm. There were a variety of other cameras used as well in different parts (mostly in a "practical" fashion, denoting footage that was shot in the story of the film), including the Panasonic DVX100a
, a Sony Handycam, and an 80s-era Sony Video 8
camcorder (featured prominently in the film).
The 5.1 sound mix was done by Sonicpool in Hollywood and the HD color-correct and finishing was done at Postworks, New York.
, Frameline, Philadelphia QFest, and Reeling Chicago.
The film was theatrically released in the US on April 13, 2010 at the Cinema Village in New York City.
It was released on DVD and iTunes in the USA by Wolfe Video
July 13, 2010. The DVD features ten deleted or extended scenes, a commentary track featuring writer/director David Kittredge
, producer Sean Abley and actors Matthew Montgomery
, Pete Scherer and Jared Grey, and a behind-the-scenes featurette called "Smile For the Camera".
The film was released theatrically in Germany by Bildkraft on July 9, 2010 and theatrically in the UK by Peccadillo Pictures
on August 27 and on DVD and iTunes August 30, 2010. Peccadillo Pictures
also launched an aggressive online campaign for the film in the guise of a fake "snuff film" website, based on the plot points about a mysterious videotape and symbol. The site features recut snippets of the film and has spread virally.
The film was released on DVD in France by Optimale August 31, 2010.
The world television premiere on Logo Network was October 31, 2010.
2010
Mystery film
Mystery film is a sub-genre of the more general category of crime film and at times the thriller genre. It focuses on the efforts of the detective, private investigator or amateur sleuth to solve the mysterious circumstances of a crime by means of clues, investigation, and clever deduction.The...
/thriller film, written and directed by David Kittredge
David Kittredge
David Kittredge is an American film director and screenwriter. He earned his Bachelor of Arts from New York University's Tisch School of the Arts and is the owner of Triple Fire Productions, a Los Angeles-based production company specializing in trailers, commercials and television and film...
.
Pornography: A Thriller is a non-linear story in three parts, all revolving around the disappearance of fictional adult gay film actor Mark Anton (Jared Grey). The first act depicts Anton's final days in 1995, the second is about writer Michael Castigan (Matthew Montgomery
Matthew Montgomery (actor)
Matthew Montgomery is an American actor, producer and writer born in Houston, Texas. Since his début in Gone, But Not Forgotten, he has specialized in independent movies with LGBT themes.- Early life :...
) as he searches for the truth in 2009 about what happened to Anton, and the third revolves around 2009 adult film actor Matt Stevens's (Pete Scherer) attempt to make The Mark Anton Story, based in part on his dreams of what happened to Anton.
The film uses an unconventional structure, with actors playing multiple roles in different sections, and uses dream logic to tell its story through a subjective point of view. Because of this, it's been compared to the work of David Lynch
David Lynch
David Keith Lynch is an American filmmaker, television director, visual artist, musician and occasional actor. Known for his surrealist films, he has developed his own unique cinematic style, which has been dubbed "Lynchian", and which is characterized by its dream imagery and meticulous sound...
(most notably Lost Highway and Mulholland Dr.) and David Cronenberg
David Cronenberg
David Paul Cronenberg, OC, FRSC is a Canadian filmmaker, screenwriter and actor. He is one of the principal originators of what is commonly known as the body horror or venereal horror genre. This style of filmmaking explores people's fears of bodily transformation and infection. In his films, the...
(notably Videodrome
Videodrome
Videodrome is a 1983 Canadian science fiction body horror film written and directed by David Cronenberg, starring James Woods, Sonja Smits, and singer Deborah Harry. Set in Toronto during the early 1980s, it follows the CEO of a small cable station who stumbles upon a broadcast signal featuring...
).
Kittredge says about the structure, "We wanted to replicate the dream logic of a nightmare. So even though we don’t spell everything out for the audience, the film is still a complete whole and has its own fully formed arc that’s hopefully a satisfying whole."
Production
The film was shot in 16 days. And although much of the film takes place in New York City and Brooklyn, it was mostly shot in and around Los Angeles.The film was shot primarily with Panasonic HVX200 cameras, one outfitted with a PS Technik adapter, which gave the image a filmic depth of field and grain that emulated 16mm. There were a variety of other cameras used as well in different parts (mostly in a "practical" fashion, denoting footage that was shot in the story of the film), including the Panasonic DVX100a
Panasonic AG-DVX100
The Panasonic AG-DVX100 was the first affordable digital progressive scan camcorder.The camera is popular among television studios and is popular with independent film makers because of its many film-emulating features and has a large following. Currently the latest and last revision is the DVX102B...
, a Sony Handycam, and an 80s-era Sony Video 8
8 mm video format
The 8mm video format refers informally to three related videocassette formats for the NTSC and PAL/SECAM television systems. These are the original Video8 format and its improved successor Hi8 , as well as a more recent digital recording format known as Digital8.Their user base...
camcorder (featured prominently in the film).
The 5.1 sound mix was done by Sonicpool in Hollywood and the HD color-correct and finishing was done at Postworks, New York.
Release
Pornography: A Thriller premiered at Newfest: the New York LGBT Film Festival in June 2009. It played at over 25 film festivals around the world, including OutfestOutfest
Outfest is an LGBT-oriented film showcase and festival in Los Angeles, California. Founded in 1982 as the "Gay and Lesbian Media Festival and Conference", the name was changed to Outfest in 1994.-Programs:...
, Frameline, Philadelphia QFest, and Reeling Chicago.
The film was theatrically released in the US on April 13, 2010 at the Cinema Village in New York City.
It was released on DVD and iTunes in the USA by Wolfe Video
Wolfe Video
Wolfe Video is the oldest and largest exclusive distributor of gay and lesbian films in North America.Founded in 1985 in New Almaden by Kathy Wolfe, the company began as a consumer mail order distribution company for lesbian VHS videos but has evolved over the years to become a full-service...
July 13, 2010. The DVD features ten deleted or extended scenes, a commentary track featuring writer/director David Kittredge
David Kittredge
David Kittredge is an American film director and screenwriter. He earned his Bachelor of Arts from New York University's Tisch School of the Arts and is the owner of Triple Fire Productions, a Los Angeles-based production company specializing in trailers, commercials and television and film...
, producer Sean Abley and actors Matthew Montgomery
Matthew Montgomery (actor)
Matthew Montgomery is an American actor, producer and writer born in Houston, Texas. Since his début in Gone, But Not Forgotten, he has specialized in independent movies with LGBT themes.- Early life :...
, Pete Scherer and Jared Grey, and a behind-the-scenes featurette called "Smile For the Camera".
The film was released theatrically in Germany by Bildkraft on July 9, 2010 and theatrically in the UK by Peccadillo Pictures
Peccadillo Pictures
Peccadillo Pictures is a UK based film distributor of art house, gay and lesbian, independent and world cinema. They have provided distribution for many award winning films such as XXY, Eyes Wide Open, Four Minutes, The Blossoming of Maximo Oliveros, Transylvania, Cockles and Muscles and Summer...
on August 27 and on DVD and iTunes August 30, 2010. Peccadillo Pictures
Peccadillo Pictures
Peccadillo Pictures is a UK based film distributor of art house, gay and lesbian, independent and world cinema. They have provided distribution for many award winning films such as XXY, Eyes Wide Open, Four Minutes, The Blossoming of Maximo Oliveros, Transylvania, Cockles and Muscles and Summer...
also launched an aggressive online campaign for the film in the guise of a fake "snuff film" website, based on the plot points about a mysterious videotape and symbol. The site features recut snippets of the film and has spread virally.
The film was released on DVD in France by Optimale August 31, 2010.
The world television premiere on Logo Network was October 31, 2010.
Cast
- Matthew MontgomeryMatthew Montgomery (actor)Matthew Montgomery is an American actor, producer and writer born in Houston, Texas. Since his début in Gone, But Not Forgotten, he has specialized in independent movies with LGBT themes.- Early life :...
as Michael Castigan - Pete Scherer as Matt Stevens
- Jared Grey as Mark Anton
- Walter Delmar as William/Jason
- Dylan VoxDylan VoxDylan Vox is an American actor who has appeared in television film and theatre.-Early life:Vox was a competitive ice skater and received bachelor's degrees in Political Science and Journalism before attending and graduating from law school.-Acting career:Vox starred in the Los Angeles premiere of...
as Jason Steele - Steve Callahan as Jerome
- Wyatt Fenner as Student/Angel
- Larry Weissman as Harry
- Jon Gale as Rex
- Nick Salamone as Billy
Awards
| Year | Festival | Award | Category |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2009 | Long Island LGBT Film Festival | Jury Award | Best Debut Feature |
| 2010 | FilmOut San Diego | Audience Award | Best First Narrative Feature |
| 2010 | FilmOut San Diego | Programming Award | Outstanding Emerging Talent, David Kittredge David Kittredge David Kittredge is an American film director and screenwriter. He earned his Bachelor of Arts from New York University's Tisch School of the Arts and is the owner of Triple Fire Productions, a Los Angeles-based production company specializing in trailers, commercials and television and film... |
Festivals
2009- Newfest: the New York LGBT Film Festival (World Premiere)
- Frameline: the San Francisco LGBT Film Festival
- OutfestOutfestOutfest is an LGBT-oriented film showcase and festival in Los Angeles, California. Founded in 1982 as the "Gay and Lesbian Media Festival and Conference", the name was changed to Outfest in 1994.-Programs:...
: the Los Angeles LGBT Film Festival - QFest: the Philadelphia LGBT Film Festival (centerpiece selection)
- "Best of NewFest" @ BAMBrooklyn Academy of MusicBrooklyn Academy of Music is a major performing arts venue in Brooklyn, a borough of New York City, United States, known as a center for progressive and avant garde performance....
- Out on Film: the Atlanta LGBT Film Festival (closing night)
- Cinema Diverse: The Gay and Lesbian Film Festival of Palm Springs
- Tampa International LGBT Film Festival
- Reel Affirmations: the Washington DC LGBT Film Festival
- Atlantic Film FestivalAtlantic Film FestivalThe Atlantic Film Festival is an international film festival held in Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada.Held annually, the ten-day celebration of film and video from Atlantic Canada and around the world is committed to screening an inspiring and engaging collection of films and videos from Canada and the...
, Halifax, Nova Scotia - Portland LGBT Film Festival
- OutTakes Dallas (closing night)
- Reeling: the Chicago LGBT Film Festival
- Fresno Reel Pride: Night Out Film Festival
- image+nation: Montreal LGBT Film Festival
- Long Island LGBT Film Festival (opening night)
2010
- Reelout Queer Film & Video Festival, Kingston, Ontario
- Brussels LGBT Film Festival
- Mardi Gras Film Festival, Sydney, Australia
- Miami LGBT Film Festival (special screening, Feb 21)
- Melbourne Queer Film Festival
- Brisbane Queer Film Festival
- FilmOut San Diego (centerpiece selection)
- Seoul LGBT Film Festival (centerpiece selection)
- ColognePride, Cologne, Germany
- Vancouver LGBT Film Festival