Sunday 7 November 2010

Packing punch - David Paul Baker's Mission X and Horror Screen


On a weekend in 2010 I was lucky enough to watch David Paul Baker's Mission X, being a fan of camera point of view films (POV) when they are done right in cases like Rec, Cloverfield, Dairy of the Dead and low budgeter The Zombie Diaries it was a surprise treat. It's easy to see why Usual Suspects Kevin Pollak is quoted as saying "...this film will not disappoint."

With exciting news that Mission X is in development to be re-made I've put together my thoughts and comments on filmmaker Bakers indie POV movie.

But it doesn't  end there, director writer David Paul Baker has just shot his horror  film SCREEN in the Tulsa USA. What's it about? 70 people died in front of the screen in the 70's, with the 40th anniversary of the deaths nothing can stop Lola Carrie from attending and watching the Screen. Head over to the official site watch the trailer, share with friends and support 2012s most innovative driven-in horror film.


MISSION X (2010)

Scottish mercenary veteran Ryan goes on a revenge mission with a group of guns for hire and a student camera-man on tow.


Arms dealers, bad language and shoot outs, are just the playing cards Mission X first lays on the table. It's the hand that slowly dealt by director/writer David Paul Baker that makes this film stand heads and shoulders above a flurry of camera point of view (POV) films.


The editing is sharp, bringing together footage from different cameras POV, flash forwards and flash backs. There's a minimal soundtrack music, first-rate blood effects, a great script and characters. With fitting camera work, near on perfect acting; played authentically, not just by the leads but the supporting cast too, that puts the likes of Quarantine (2008) and the interview segments of The Fourth Kind (2009) to shame.


Bond with the characters as you follow them with Ryan and camera man Grant, who's verbal sparring on serious and every day issues are exceptional. Mission X is a joy to watch, from abandoned buildings, to night clubs and the streets of Scotland, it's edgy, tense, harsh, hard and confrontational. Secret meetings, anonymous phone calls.


The screenplay is absorbing to the last reel. In between the shots ringing out; get to know the unit; get caught in the gun fire; it's the closest thing to a possible suicide mission on your homeland you can see on film.

Mission X oozes tension, it's a naturalist piece of filming that drags in and captivates the viewer from the outset, which makes it compelling viewing.
A smart cleverly crafted must see.

Order Mission X here
For more information about Mission X visit the website


MISSION X TRAILER from david baker on Vimeo.

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