The Subject Redux

Today my cinematographer from Pantomiming and The Subject, Chad Einwalter, e-mailed me some still photographs from the set of The Subject. These stills were taken with a digital camera (not sure which brand) that had been set to correct for exposure based upon the film speed we were using. It was pretty cool, but I wouldn’t depend on these photos as the ultimate guide for what the movie will look like once it gets back from the lab. Either way, here’s a sneak preview at the film Matter of Chance plans to enter in the Thriller challenge for Screen Wars this fall.

That first screen capture is actually similar to a shot that will appear in the final film. It’s basically a close-up of the subject (played by Johnny Summers) as he looks at all of the psychological tests laid out before him.

This next screen capture is just myself, looking goofy.

This screen capture is of the scientists as they stand behind the glass window inside the “protection booth”. From left to right we have Joshua J. Provost, Mike Moehtar (sitting), Evan Neil and Evangeline Provost. They were kind enough to sit in on the film for the day and provide me some much-needed bizarreness. Mike in particular dove into his role as the Scientist, acting robotic and contorted in his movements and expressions. In between takes he had to get up though and come help us out with the camera, because he was also the 1st AC. Mike even served as DP for a few shots, framing the camera and making exposure suggestions.

This shot is myself with Chad as we look over the remaining shots. Sitting in the chair is our gaffer, James. This may have been earlier in the day when we were still fresh and eager to see the film through. By the end of the day, it wasn’t so much an eager desire to see the film through that propelled us. No, it was more like a hell bent fury to better the film before it bettered us.

This final shot is another mimicked screen capture from the film – a shot of the subject as he slams his violent drawing of a tiger getting its head blown off against the window of the observation room. The Scientist looking on with shock and disgust is Angie Provost. She really got into her character at this part and provided the perfect blend of professionalism, fear and outright disgust.