SCREENLABS APPLICATION
23 March 1994
Hallowmas tracks the awakening consciousness of a young man who was abused by his father as a child and the string of ironic catastrophes in his life which led him ultimately (though dubiously) to the monastery.
What are your primary objectives for this production?
I'd like to see a piece of film which captures the visual iconography of the story along with the psychological complexity of its main character, Thomas. At war within him—at any given point in the story—are reality and illusion, religion and paganism, Indian and white, purity and depravity. His confusion and guilt are profoundly advanced with each episode of dramatic irony from his past. Developing one or more of these narrative twists would be a worthwhile objective. (For example, pages 63-73 of the script.)
How is your project suitable to SCREENLABS?
Many elements
of this screenplay may be transformed into astonishing film images through simple sets and costumes, inexpensive props, and limited equipment. Because the narrative is carried to a large extent by simple iconography (e.g., statues, pumpkins, candles, bread loaves, dogs) as well as intense and challenging characters, it is quite possible to produce an exceptionally filmic, dramatically powerful piece of work using limited resources.Elements you'd like to see brought to this production?
When I wrote this screenplay, I attempted to combine the narrative sensitivity of Prince of Tides with the brutal detachment and surrealism of A Clockwork Orange. I think the production should reflect this. Brother Thomas weaves constantly in and out of a deeply morose state of mind. Casting someone who can effectively project these subtleties is central to the story's success. I think that effective use of lighting, cameras, and key props is also essential. I can provide input on shot sequences, editing, and score.
~ CMS
Copyright C. Mark Sakry 1994, 1999