Bordenia, a Film by Cameron Munson
Cameron Munson, center
In the most recent issue of The Hatchet, I conducted an extensive interview with wunderkind filmmaker Cameron Munson, who was in post-production for his short independent film, Bordenia.
He graciously sent me a copy of the 21-minute film and I watched it the day before yesterday.
I have to say I was immensely impressed by the high production value of this film. From the first frame, you can tell you are watching a well done movie. One can sense the craftsmanship from the titles onward. Of particular note is the fabulous lighting. Mood and tone are perfectly set by the way in which color and intensity is executed.
The story is quite unusual and you never know what is going to happen next. With a minute to go until the end, I had no idea where Munson would leave us.
The film is not a retelling of the Borden case, yet the characters are named after the true people from Fall River. The situation is only somewhat similar, and the film is placed in modern times. Bordenia is definitely an art film with this layer of Borden overtones, both subtle and direct.
I think what Munson is doing is taking us from the known to the unknown, using location and situation to really tell a different kind of story. The movie was filmed in Intercourse, PA, which looks nothing like Fall River, yet the titles claim that that is where we are. I believe this to be intentional bluffing, and I really like that quality of the film. We know something about this story in our deepest psyches, so we are familiar with its themes. And yet, this isn’t Lizzie Borden nor is it really Fall River. It is some place cold where pain and tragedy reside.
The film has stayed with me, even after a day has passed, and, perhaps because the film is so short, I have strong memories of each scene.
When I watch a movie or read a book, I turn off the critic in me, and let the author/filmmaker do to me what they will. I give them the benefit of the doubt, always, that everything I see and hear was on purpose. I assume that the final product is a planned and decided work and all of it is intended to be as it is presented to me. That way, I can ride roller coaster and enjoy my experience as would anyone who may watch it later. I immerse myself, I guess you could say, in the story.
That said, I would like to say I sincerely appreciate what Munson is doing here. I know his vision is a remarkable thing, and his film exceeded my expectations in every way. Cameron Munson is going to be a name to reckon with in the future, no doubt. His film is unique and his Lizzie Borden, portrayed by actress Sarah Ann Corkum, is fabulous. She has a memorable face (an important asset in film) and her talent is quite evident in every scene. I liked the performances of everyone in the movie, but I must say the camera really ate up Corkum. It is clear to me she is going to go far.
I hope you one day get to see this film. Right now, I think, it is on the festival circuit, seeking awards and distribution.
