Disturbing is a word too often used to describe horror and or psychological thrillers. New Zealand's "Wound" is not only disturbing, but extremely thought provoking. The 76 minute film plays out through a series of images presumably inside the mind of Susan, a late 30s woman who has a ghastly past filled with horrible atrocities. Kate O'Rourke does a gloriously scary job of displaying the raw emotions,quiet intensity, and seething rages required of her. Quite frankly she gives on of the finest performances I have ever witnessed in an independent film. She has to go through a descent into madness, innocence, and also show some semblance of a normal life. The other lead actress Te Kaea Beri does a solid job as Tanya, Susan's daughter from the rape of her father. Beri also has to go through a series of emotions and clearly understands the mood and source material of the particular scenes she is in.
Above screen shot is Te Kaea Beri as Tanya in "Wound"
As for the Plot, my interpretation is that the movie is told though a series of flashbacks following Susan's father coming home from a long time away on a work venture. Susan's rage is fueled by her past and she descends into her own world of madness including wrapping her excrement in tin foil and saving it in a deep freezer.
Above screen shot is Kate O'Rourke as Susan in "Wound"
The finest aspect of the film is the fact that the movie is left open for interpretation. The subtle images producer/writer/director David Blyth displays are fantastic, often surreal. There is a scene in which Susan is playing the role of submissive and is blindfolded and there is a painting on the wall on the side of a beautiful bird who is perched on a branch evoking the "free as a bird" phrase. Watching for the background subtleties is a treat for the eyes. As a writer I enjoy a movie with allegory and one that evokes a thought provoking discussion not just mindless entertainment.
David Blyth pays attention to every minuscule detail with regards to lighting, camera angles, and film techniques. At several points during the film he uses surveillance cameras to record Susan's movements. This gives a diverse and almost voyeuristic perspective into the mind of this deranged character. Scenes range from outside under a beautiful tree to inside in a seedy underground S&M punk club, both being equally important to the story of Susan.
I actually recommend watching this film with someone that has an open mind so that it can be discussed further. This is also an excellent film for people in the movie making industry to watch. David Lynch, David Cronenberg, Gasper Noe and Dario Argento are four established directors who David Blyth reminds me of, as they all use a huge variety of film making ambiguity to evoke the mood and atmosphere, and challenge their actors to display emotion. In the rare air of movies that leave a lasting impression, and "Wound" is definitively one of those special few. I rate this one a 9 out of 10, a must purchase. Ok! So call me crazy!
For further information point your browsers to: www.woundmovie.com
For information on David Blyth and his other films go to http://www.davidblyth.com/
