Leo X. Robertson writes, directs, and stars in the low-key thriller Burnt Portraits. Robertson stars as the Painter, whose home is invaded by a guest. Said guest, the Singer (Sam Crichton), wakes up with a hangover and very little memory of the night before. The Painter agrees to nurse him back to full mental capacity while waiting for the rain to lighten up to get a ride out. At first, the Painter seems not to know who the Singer is despite being one of the biggest acts around. Soon enough, that charade is poked through, and it turns out the Painter is a fan.
Unfortunately, the Singer discovers another secret, one that’s much worse. See, the two aren’t in the Painter’s basement; they are trapped in there by someone else. Who did this and why is a mystery to both men. As the two are stuck there together, they open up and forge a true bond. But a difference in philosophies of life and another, even more, twisted secret threatens to tear this new friendship apart.
Burnt Portraits is a great example of an indie filmmaker using the resources available to tell a compelling story. What did Robertson have? A camera, some fellow actors, and access to a basement. Bam! The film is born. Of course, it helps that he’s writing something a little unpredictable and highly engaging. The Singer and Painter’s discussions of trauma, chaos versus fate, and possible future outcomes of their predicament are smart and sound natural.
“…the two aren’t in the Painter’s basement; they are trapped in there by someone else.”
As a director, Robertson is able to keep things moving along nicely. However, the location is not used to its full advantage, as several scenes have a point-and-shoot feel to them. Medium shots for basic coverage, close-ups to focus on the actors, etc. Given how good everything else is, it’s all pedestrian, which is a letdown.
Robertson is frustrating and sweet, and entirely crazy throughout the film. It’s a stellar performance that grips from beginning to end. His energy is matched by Crichton, though the characterizations are completely different. He imbues the Singer with a listlessness that feels genuine. Who can he trust when everyone wants something from him due to his fame? The actor plays this angle nicely, easily letting audiences root for him.
Burnt Portraits is an interesting little black-and-white thriller. The two leads are superb, while the screenplay crackles with riveting but realistic dialogue. The direction is fine, just a little generic whenever compared to every other aspect of the production.
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