DVD Bicycle Day
Run time: 88 min
Rating: 6.2
Genres: Thriller
Director: Damian Morter
Writers: Damian Morter
Stars: Damian Morter, Paul D Morrison, Paul Collin-Thomas
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Storyline Four friends embark on a camping trip in the Yorkshire countryside, only to have their trip turned upside down after being spiked with a concentrated dosage of lysergic acid diethylamide, commonly known as L.S.D. |
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Details: Country: UK |
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Box Office Budget: £90 (estimated) |
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DVD Bicycle Day
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I have to point out straight off that this films budget was around £90. Which for a feature film, even by independent film makers, is truly a testament to the ingenuity and ability of everyone involved.
I went in with some doubts about the film, I must admit. I found it hard to believe something so cheap to make, and gritty in style could really grab me. But, I was truly completely wrong, do not judge this by budget or equipment.
Straight away I was enjoying myself, the witty banter between Jay and Damian's characters is a great way to start off, and then introducing the last two of the group builds a dynamic between the four that feels right.
As the film progresses you may already have a feeling that something is wrong, but the way plot specifics are uncovered is done subtly and really helps emphasise the characters states of mind, especially Simon (Paul D Morrison).
The drug scenes were done brilliantly. Too often we watch films that have references to or experience of drugs in them, and they tend to be done terribly inaccurately, done more for affect than accuracy. In Bicycle Day, the scenes are powerful visual representations mixed with emotionally charged psychological battle between each of the characters.
Overall the film is really impressive, for what they had to make this film, it's unbelievable the quality of the production they have made. I thought Paul really stood out in his role, he seemed so weak to begin with, almost as if he shouldn't have been cast as this role. But as the film progressed his underlying angst rose to the fore and any hard time I had with him at first dissolved and then truly added to the psychotic change in his character. Damian was a great lead man, and even after what he had done you could see he was a good character at heart and a strong person. It was no surprise his character had the mental strength to take the LSD and save his sanity (ish).
I could go on for longer, and pick out so much that was great about this film. Instead I'll just say, watch this film, you will definitely be glad that you did. Expect nothing, but a psychological trip, with an intense vibe throughout. Great cinema.
Wow….. I need to peel myself off the ceiling! I wasn't expecting that!
If you go down to the woods today, you're sure of a big surprise. Being a northern girl I really appreciated the introductory scenes of typical northern life and banter and found it all somewhat comforting. But not for long. I was soon unsettled and anxious of what was to come and it was certainly tense.
As the dark and emotional, drug fuelled plot began to unravel my nails dug deeper and deeper into the palms of my hands and the adrenaline was pumping hard.
The acting is top class with a terrific performance from Paul Collin- Thomas. I was captivated throughout and taken aback at how gritty and true to life some of the scenes were. Very clever camera work and resourcefulness make it so hard to believe that this was completed with less than a £100 budget.
I am very, very excited to see what else is to come from Damian Morter and I urge anybody and everybody to watch Bicycle Day – if you dare!
Bicycle Day follows four guys- two brothers and their two mates to the woods for a get away weekend of chilling out and having a laugh.
But soon things turn bizarre and scary after a certain incident.
The acting is on par, with Damian Morter and Paul Colin Thomas taking the main leads, I felt Thomas played his part really well.
The antagonist in Bicycle Day comes across as weak and introverted but you soon learn hes a bitter, self loathing and deranged lunatic who is willing to commit homicide against long term friends over something which doesn't really warrant it. Tho you know what they say, love can drive a man do to some crazy things.
From what turns to a friendly camping trip to insanity, Bicycle Day invited you to ride along with each characters demise bar one.
But who will survive in the end? Good FX, acting is believable, nice sounds track, the only thing Bicycle Day could of achieved more on was perhaps some full frontal nudity of the women, but alas, at least there was some drug induced madness!!!
Bicycle Day is a brilliant movie with dark and scary tones. Viewing a trip in the woods through the LSD drugged individuals is a unique slant on this kind of genre.
Damian Morter is not only a remarkable director but also a very entertaining actor. Seeing his character develop throughout the film was very enjoyable. Not only that, but you can't help connecting with the characters because of their humour and weaknesses.
With the sudden surge of releases in this genre it can be hard to find something that rises above the rest and provides the viewer with an enjoyable experience, but luckily Bicycle Day is one of those few films.
With plenty of blood, swearing and thrills this is a must for anybody who enjoys this genre or is a fan of indie films.
Well done Damian Morter (& crew)!