Black Night is the first feature film from Olivier Smolders, who has made a name for himself with his amazing shorts (see Cinema of Death and Spiritual Exercises). Black Night, like his past works, is released on a masterful DVD by Cult Epics.
FILM- Black Night is the surreal tale of Oscar. The sun only peaks it's shy head out for 15 seconds every day. The world captured in an infinite eclipse. The night is eternal in Oscar's world. He works as an entomologist at a museum, and enjoys his collection of various beetles, moths, and larva. He is haunted by visions of his past; some could be real, some could be imaginary. He returns home from work one day to find an African woman (who he has seen before) curled up in his bed. She speaks an unknown language, and is dying from an incurable disease. After Oscar attempts to aid her, the mysterious woman commits suicide. Oscar decides to turn the body into a cocoon, mimicking his personal hobby. During the incubation period, he films the body often. When he tries to get the film processed, the man tells Oscar he "doesn't understand the film" (a statement I'm sure Smolders has heard often). However, he gives Oscar some film left by his father; both revealing his true past and damaging his future. He descends into isolationism as the cocoon developers; and what emerges might push Oscar over the edge once and for all.
Black Night is a one of a kind film. I was very skeptical about this one; while Smolders is a talented short film maker, I wondered how his first full length film would turn out. The answer- fantastic. This is one of those films that you get sucked into about halfway through it, and begin to pick up on hints dropped in the first half of the movie. The motif of Africa, twins, and bugs are all present and very strong. Another amazing thing about this film is the cinematography. This has to be on of the most beautifully shot films of the 2000's. There is a shadow and highlight in every frame. I love his shorts; I love his features. Oliver Somlders is a genius. This film will stick to your subconscious like hot tar; and linger there long after the images drop off the screen. 9/10.
PICTURE/ AUDIO- Cult Epics has amazed me with their "respect" to grainy picture quality in the past (Driller Killer, Pig, and Death Bed), but I have not actually seen a color, high quality transfer. Black Night floored me. The hues of the insects shells were so bright and beautiful. Not one speck of grain was present, and everything was super vivid. The shadows don't overpower the highlights, and vice verse. Not only is this the best transfer Cult Epics has done (quality wise), but it could be one of the nicest I have ever seen on a DVD. 10/10.
The audio is the same as the picture. Crisp, clear, and not one blemish. 10/10.
EXTRAS- Black Night comes with a good amount of extras: deleted scene, behind the scenes, interview, about Black Night, and a short promo for Spiritual Exercises. 8/10.
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