gmb14 I greatly enjoyed the complexity of this film. This writer/director does such an amazing job with his films. Though they are not the huge, money intense flicks that most of us are accustomed to, they will leave you feeling exactly what Brauer intended, whether it be intrigued, satisfied, on the edge of your seat, or just plain happy. I believe it is much more difficult to create a great film when you do not have millions of dollars to aid in the creation, and for this I admire this movie. I love it when films make you believe you have figured them all out, and then toss a twist into the plot. If you are looking for a suspenseful, clever, and interesting film, look no further.

Rich Brauer Even though our films are small, we compete with mainstream filmmaking, without the resources, so we make films that Hollywood won't. That's the independent spirit. When we offer sneak preview of our new films, we run the risk of the audience thinking that it is the final cut. We listen to the audience react (or not) and make changes as we feel are consistent with the temperament of the film. Having said that, anyone who saw the unreleased sneak preview version of Deadrise, then titled FITFUL, really needs to see the final released product. There are no dogs anymore, and the ending has been changed from a "Oh, you got me" to a "DAM!". The dream sequences have new meaning, and our main character Paula, has a considerably bigger surprise waiting for her at the end of the film. Additional final tweaks also included enhanced music and sound. It is safe to say that the entire context of this non-traditional suspense thriller has been nicely modified prior to its final worldwide release as DEADRISE.

noahsdad-31-285608 Full disclosure: The producer/director of Deadrise film is a friend.My wife and I saw the premiere of this film (then titled "Fitful") at the State Theater in Traverse City, Michigan. The cut at that time was much longer, with the puppy scene still intact, and a very different ending than the DVD version. It's my understanding the DVD release has a much stronger resolution.At the premiere, we left the theater impressed with the acting and cinematography, but somewhat confused by the story. The multiple layers of dreams left us wondering which scenes were actual experiences, and which were the result of spicy food. Some were obvious, others less so. The lack of visual or other clues to create a dream-state distinction make sorting it all out a bit challenging. Larry Joe Campbell's role as the creepy caretaker of a retired Car Ferry is exemplary. Who knew that such a comic genius could pull off a lovable but darkly mad character like Vigs? At one point, Larry asks a question about Renee's daughter which literally caused the entire theater to simultaneously gasp. Renee O'Connor's tip-toeing and peering around corners gets a bit repetitive, but her emotional expression is near flawless. The real star of the show is the ship itself, which is not a Hollywood set piece. It's an actual old steam ship that resides at a dock on the Great Lakes. The contrast of the ship's cavernous spaces, varnished wood paneled cabins, spooky companionways filled with shapeless shadows, and cramped mechanical compartments slick with oil and other dark liquids, combine to create a rich feeling of imprisonment and isolation. If you're seeking out the next big indie masterpiece, you probably should look elsewhere. If you simply want a clever story, beautifully filmed and sure to inspire conversation after the credits, give Deadrise a shot.

iffershortt Clever and engaging; watch every moment carefully to get the most out of the piece. The details matter. It's fun trying to make sense of the neo-Gothic journey the heroine takes. She willingly enters a world that is visually impressive, spooky, surreal. I was disappointed in the original film's ending and a few of the plot points leading up to it. I didn't predict it for the simple reason that I could not believe so predictable a conclusion for an otherwise engrossing film. Then I saw the revamped version. The retooling pays off; Deadrise tells a stronger, albeit darker, story, and so it is a better movie than in its first incarnation. The acting, which is a bit campy or stagy at times, generally serves the film well and is even quite compelling in places. The characters fit the action, the cinematography is stunning, and a better set would be hard to find. In order to preserve the suspense, I am unwilling to say much more about the plot details, which a movie-goer can find in other reviews. Having come up myself with a more satisfying conclusion to the original film, I'm happy to report that I don't even remember now what it was. Deadrise ends in just the right key.