Ok, this was a very early test screening with very few of the effects shots finished, and my people tell me that the film will be undergoing reshoots and re-editing. That said, we have a positive and intriguing first review for the film. I hope we get to hear more on this project, as it has been fairly hidden from the eye of man or woman. So let's hear it. This report comes in from Baron Munchausan!
Good morning AICN, long time listener, first time caller. So, I got to see a test screening last night in San Rafael, CA for a film called "The Thirteenth Floor." Now, in all of my research, I haven't come across this title yet and it doesn't have a release date as of yet. Certainly not before the end of this year.
Here's the jist. It's a science fiction thriller on the lines of and sometimes heavily borrowed from "Dark City," "Blade Runner," and "Strange Days." It takes place in two parallel times; 1937 and 1997. A computer genius played by Armin Mueller Stahl (Shine, The Game) who invents a cyber realm based on experiences not unlike "Total Recall." He is able to transport himself back to LA 1937 (his childhood years) but as his adult self, assuming the identity of someone else identical in appearance. Craig Bierko (Long Kiss Goodnight, Sour Grapes) and Vincent D'Onofrio (Men in Black, Strange Days) star as his assistants in this creation and Gretchen Mol (Rounders) is the femme fatale of sorts. Dennis Haysbert (Absolute Power) also appears as an LAPD detective.
This was a work in progress, so a number of special effects were not complete, but enough was in place to look absolutely fabulous. The scenes taking place in 1937 of early LA are breathtaking. Wilshire Blvd. being built where thousands of oil rigs stand, the Hollywood sign when it used to say Hollywoodland and La Cienega as a ghetto. Pretty amazing stuff.
There is wonderful atmosphere at work here, a definite noirish feel, especially in 1937. I don't think Bierko is ready for a leading role yet though. He fumbled too much and should stay on the supporting sidelines. D'Onofrio, as always was fantastic. Mol, I could take or leave, Stahl, elegant and charming as usual. Being a noirish thriller, there is a murder early on, hence the presence of a detective. The great thing is that everyone plays dual roles in both times, so it allows for significant screen time for the actors and just enough head scratching for the audiences to keep suspense up but not confuse them. One sequence with Bierko and Mol which hurriedly explains the mechanics of the entire plot (which is a doozy) is a bit too jumbled and too much at once. Otherwise, it seems like it will be very intriguing when it comes to town.
